NoExcusesGym

Even small changes in weight can result in consequential health benefits. Studies show that a 5% - 10% loss of initial body weight is associated with meaningful improvements in cholesterol levels, hypertension and glucose metabolism. In recent Diabetes Prevention Program study of 3,200 subjects, those who participated in a 4-year lifestyle intervention of physical activity and diet designed to induce a 7% loss of body weight had a 58% lower risk of developing type a2 diabetes compared with a control group. Plus, the preventive effect was seen to hold for members of all racial and ethnic groups and both genders.
Researchers suggest the following three lifestyle modifications as components of a successful obesity program:
- dietary intervention
- behavioral therapy
- physical activity.

Central to the success of these strategies is the understanding that changes must be made for a lifetime.
(Fabricatore,A.N.,& Wadden, T.A. 2003. Treatment of obesity: An overview. Clinical Diabetes, 21, 67-72.)

(by Marcela Vanharova)