Obesity Prevention (Cont.)

 
Physical Activity
Quite simply, physical activity increases the number of calories that you burn on a daily basis. Every extra step you take increases the number of calories that you burn. This means you don't have to run marathons to increase your physical activity. You can begin by making small steps in what you do every day. For example:
 
 
If you normally...
Try this instead!
Park as close as possible to the store
Park farther away
Let the dog out back
Take the dog for a walk
Take the elevator
Take the stairs
Have lunch delivered
Walk to pick up lunch
Relax while the kids play
Get involved in their activity
 
An active lifestyle can help anyone. In fact, 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most days of the week can significantly improve your health. Most people can get better health benefits if they engage in physical activity that is more vigorous in intensity and/or longer in duration.
 
To help manage body weight and prevent gradual, unhealthy weight gain, you should get about 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity activity on most days of the week while not exceeding your recommended intake of calories. In order to keep the weight loss off, get at least 60 to 90 minutes of daily moderate-intensity physical activity while not exceeding caloric intake requirements.
 
(Obesity Prevention Continued: Page 3)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD