Consistent Exercisers: Women Benefit More Than Men For Weight Loss

Recent research from Northwestern University suggests that while both men and women benefit from consistent exercise over many years, that women benefit more. The research, part of a large research study called the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study, included over 3,000 individuals about half men and half women. The study found that over time, women who consistently met the five hours per week of physical activity recommendation for 20 years weighed significantly less than those who did not. While men who consistently exercised also weighed less, the difference was not as great mostly because the research showed that men compensated for the increased energy expenditure of exercise by eating more. Dr. Arlene Hankinson, lead author, says the group was very surprised to find such a strong gender difference in response to regular physical activity. While the researchers were very confident going into the study that those that exercised more often and more consistently would weigh less over time, the benefits that women found make a strong argument encouraging young teenage to middle aged women aware of the tremendous benefits of normal physical activity on their long-term weight loss and overall health. According to Dr. Hankinson, "women should now be especially motivated" to exercise regularly. While men did receive some benefit, it might be more effective to focus on eating the right types of foods with men more so than women, because of the study findings that men tended to compensate for increased exercise with simply eating more. For individuals in the study that did not engage in the recommended five hours per week of moderate to vigorous activity over the 20-year timespan, the results were less hopeful. The study showed that weight gain and a lower metabolism was the normal for those that exercised less than five days per week. However, other research at labs in the United States and Europe have shown the low levels of activity and a slow metabolism can be corrected in as little as 12 weeks of a new exercise program. According to Dr. Hankison, the study reinforces that everyone needs to engage in regular physical activity at the level of five hour per week to maintain a healthy weight.To learn more about subjects like this and to start changing your body, please visit us at New Lifestyle Diet.