Perhaps just as important, bear in mind that exercise has benefits beyond weight reduction. In the study of obese people who took up exercise, most became notably healthier, increasing their aerobic capacity, decreasing their blood pressure and resting heart rates, and, the authors write, achieving “an acute exercise-induced increase in positive mood,” leading the authors to conclude that, “significant and meaningful health benefits can be achieved even in the presence of lower than expected exercise-induced weight loss.”
via Phys Ed: Why Doesn’t Exercise Lead to Weight Loss? – Well Blog – NYTimes.com.
I’ve noticed this admission over and over in mainstream sources–the same sources that otherwise make one think that weight loss is the only way to get these health benefits.
What struck me about these quotes from the study was not the actual content, which was hidden under a blubbery flab of excess verbiage. I think the authors of the study need to read this great essay about clarity in writing by George Orwell. If I were their editor I would have changed this:
“an acute exercise-induced increase in positive mood……significant and meaningful health benefits can be achieved even in the presence of lower than expected exercise-induced weight loss.'”
To this:
“Aerobic exercise can improve your mood and your overall health, even if you aren’t losing weight.”
Totally off the point, I know. But I felt compelled to say it. Maybe I need to work off my excess energy exercising instead. 🙂