In this newsletter . . .

DUNLOPS PANDEMIC

U.S. hardest hit

Dunlops is the extreme opposite of six-pack abs. While only a small number of people ever attain an actual six-pack, a major portion of Americans reaches the opposite extreme: that of being overweight or downright obese.

Here is what I mean: The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that one-third of U.S. adults are not just overweight but obese. That’s not an exaggeration or a typographical error. Three out of ten Americans are obese!

(According to the CDC, overweight and obesity are both labels for ranges of weight that are greater than what is generally considered healthy for a given height. The terms also identify ranges of weight that have been shown to increase the likelihood of certain diseases and other health problems.)

If you want them, six-pack abs are great. But somewhere between the extremes of six-packs versus Dunlops is the sweet spot where most people would like to be. For good health and appearance, six-packs aren’t essential; but good firm abdominal muscles are required, along with the absence of a thick layer of fat covering them.

If you are overweight or obese, how do you go about achieving a healthy bodyweight? Let's be honest. If it were easy, no one would be fat. It requires a true desire to be fit and a degree of will power. If you have those, there are two things you must do to reach your goal.

First, and most important, is to stop eating more food than you need. That sounds overly simple and obvious, I know. But it is the crux of all weight loss methods. You must consistently consume fewer calories than your body requires for maintaining your current weight.

There are many ways to do it. Programs such as Weight Watchers have been successful for many people. Or working with your doctor or a dietician might be the right path. But beware of diet pills (example) or quick-fix promises. Personally, I find hand-measurement for portion control eating is simple and effective. I describe it here or in greater detail in my books.

Second, you must consistently exercise. Exercise is a key, but perhaps surprisingly, it is in second place. If you do not first get your calorie intake under control, all the exercise in the world will not burn off the fat. To succeed, it takes a comprehensive approach. If you consistently reduce your calories, without exercising, you will lose weight. No doubt about it. But without proper exercise, too, you will end up thinner but flabby.

Here are two how-to-do-it places to get honest help. They are:

Ab Exercise and a Trim Waistline

and, for beginners . . .

Beginning Weight Training

P.S. Though many in the U.S. are severely obese, citizens of other modern nations have similar weight problems. The defeat of famine is the goal of all successful societies. Unfortunately, triumph often evolves into the other extreme - gluttony.

Your comments and questions are always appreciated. Simply click on the "Reply" bottom.

Sincerely,

Logan Franklin
The Gray Iron Fitness Newsletter
www.senior-exercise-central.com