Thursday, February 5, 2009

Ward off Weight Gain with Exercise

Exercise does more than simply burn calories. For those who tend to pack on the pounds with ease, exercise can actually thwart the body’s tendency to gain weight.

Scientists discovered a link between a certain “fat” gene and obesity. Those who carry the gene have a greater tendency for weight gain and obesity.

Researchers studied the daily activities of 700 people with this gene. Amazingly, the subjects with high levels of physical activity – equal to one hour of brisk running every day – did not gain weight as expected.

The findings showed that exercise thwarts the gene’s weight-gaining effects. So even those who have the gene and are “genetically disposed” to being overweight, can do something about it. Exercise!

Future studies hope to uncover a way to treat obesity in people based on their genetic makeup. But for now, make it your goal to exercise vigorously one hour every day.

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