Exercise Alone Trims Tummy, Health Risks
For Older Women, Regular Exercise Pays Off in More Ways Than One
In comparison, women in the stretching group had much less significant losses and even gains in these areas.
Aside from the weight- and fat-loss benefits, the study found that 84% of the exercisers also improved their cardiovascular fitness levels, which can help protect against heart disease and death.
Researchers say regular exercise may work by changing the body's metabolism not only to induce weight-loss but also help prevent fat accumulation in the stomach area.
"With this more efficient system, muscles can increase their use of lipid [fat] stores rather than relying primarily on carbohydrate reserves," says researcher Anne McTiernan, MD, PhD, of the Fred Hutchison Cancer Research Center in Seattle. "In addition, exercise helps counteract the weight regain often observed after diet-induced weight loss."
SOURCE: The Journal of the American Medical Association, Jan. 15, 2003.