June 15, 2020

In this newsletter . . .

U.S.A. Obesity
Pandemic

Here’s what I mean: The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 42% of U.S. adults are not just overweight but obese. That’s not an exaggeration or typographical error. Four out of ten Americans are obese! We aren’t alone, if that is any consolation. Many other developed nations have similar problems.

(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.)

Now that most of us have been sheltered-in-place for a while, I wonder if a lack of exercise and over-eating have taken America’s obesity rates still higher? Time will tell.

If you are a fitness person (and I hope you are) and want six-pack abs, that’s great. It’s admirable. But somewhere between the extremes of six-packs and "Dunlops Disease" (when your belly dunlops over your belt) is the sweet spot, where most of us want to be. For good health and nice appearance, actual six-packs aren’t essential; but firm abdominal muscles are required, along with an absence of a thick layer of fat covering them.

But what if you are overweight or obese ?

How do you go about achieving a healthy bodyweight? Honestly, if it were easy, no one would be fat. The truth is, shaping-up does require lifestyle changes. Yet with a true desire to be fit, success is very attainable. Here is what you must do.

First, and most important, is to stop eating more food than you need. That sounds overly simple and obvious. But it is the heart 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. Or working with your doctor or a dietician might be the right path. But beware of diet pills (example) or quick-fix promises. That’s not the way to go. Personally, I find hand-measurement for portion control eating is simple and effective, described here.

Second, you must consistently exercise. Exercise is a key, even though it is in second place. But “second place”? Don’t be surprised. If you don’t first get calorie intake under control, all the exercise in the world will not burn off the fat. So to succeed, it takes a comprehensive approach. Sure, if you consistently reduce calories, yet don’t bother exercising, yes, you will still lose weight. But without proper exercise, you will end up thinner — but flabby.

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

Ab Exercise and a Trim Waistline

and, for beginners . . .

Beginning Weight Training

For bodyweight only exercise ideas, go here.

Stay healthy. Stay fit.

Logan

Senior Exercise Central

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Sincerely,

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