Wednesday, August 12, 2009

"Why exercise won't make you thin"

Have you seen the latest Time Magazine Cover?

"The Myth About Exercise:

Of course it’s good for you, but it won’t make you lose weight. Why it’s what you eat that really counts"
Have they been reading my blog?

If you want to read their take on it, head over here. It's a great read.

[Hat tip to loyal blog reader Roxanne for sending it my way]

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Posted by Yoni Freedhoff at 5:30 AM

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8 comments:

  1. Actually, it's a bad read because it gives the initial impression that you don't have to exercise.

    People who are fit and "trim" know that exercise is an essential part of the routine. Of course, there are many other benefits to exercise besides the "weight issue".

    This just gives the sedentary another excuse or reason not to exercise.
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  2. Fair comment Ken.

    As anyone who reads my blog knows, I'm a strong supporter of exercise for the sake of health - just not for weight loss.

    One of the main reasons I've been so vocal about it is my worry that by linking exercise and weight loss we'll lose a great deal of public health and research dollars that could have been earmarked for interventions and experiments that might have had an impact.

    Thanks for the comment.
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  3. This comment has been removed by the author.
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  4. I agree with Ken's comments. In sensationalizing the issue like this, Time really does a disservice to the health benefits of exercise.

    I fully admit that after working out I'm starving - but I build those calories into my day, recognizing that I'm going to need to save a few for after my workout. And I don't go to Starbucks or to the bar for nachos; I head home and have an egg white omelet with spinach and cheese or a piece of whole wheat toast with a bit of peanut butter.

    I think Time could have written this in a less sensational, more informative manner yet still have made its point that you have to be aware of what you're putting into your body and why. In the example given by Time, someone who eats a 400-calorie muffin as a reward isn't really practicing mindful habits, and of course this will negate the effects of exercise. It's about teaching people to make the right choices.

    (I actually tend to eat better when I'm exercising regularly because I don't want to cancel out all my effort!)
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  5. The author lost all credibility when he started talking about "converting fat to muscle".

    The entire article is a joke. The author is unwilling to accept that his eating habits and his inability to control his wants are what are inhibiting his weight loss - not the exercise.

    Sure exercise can build an appetite. So eat an apple and some cheese - not a large order of "lip smacking McDonald's french fries".

    It's crap like this in large national media outlets that make it so hard to get people to believe REAL, honest, helpful information about exercise and losing weight.
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  6. All very good comments. And, anyone who exercises and maintains a healthy weight knows the "truth" about this issue.

    My goal is to end the obesity dilemma and assist people who want to lose a few lbs.

    My new book will address the above issue.
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  7. Yoni:

    If John Cloud had bothered to actually read the research, he would have come to a very different conclusion on the topic. But that wouldn't have sold magazines. Instead, he skewed the facts to support a conclusion that is spurious if not downright wrong. The upshot is that he's done a grave disservice to the general public. I'd encourage you to read my rebuttal to Mr. Cloud on my blog, www.workout911.com, where I actually cite the research on the subject.

    Thanks

    Brad Schoenfeld, CSCS
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  8. I think the comments are right that instead of focusing on "not exercising," they should have put more focus on "eating less." But, like all publications, they have to sell copies and go with whatever is more sensational.

    If people use this article as an "excuse" not to exercise, I'm willing to bet that they would eventually have found some other "excuse" to stop exercise. Those who have incorporated exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle are not going to suddenly throw up their hands and say forget it.

    The finding that exercise increases appetite has actually never been true for me, though everyone else I know who works out says this is the case. On days that I exercise, I find that my appetite decreases a lot. Though I could be wrong, I attribute the decrease to the increased body temperature during exercise. On rest days, well, I'm constantly hungry.
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