14 DAY TRIAL // Want to get your waistline shrunk? Physical exercise will work more efficiently for couch potatoes, as these people are going to lose more pounds when taking up working out than their counterparts who are already in regular exercise programs. According to a recent study carried out by researchers at the Murdoch Children's Research Institute and the International Diabetes Institute, sedentary individuals with higher-than-normal BMIs are more likely to shed weight simply by walking more than individuals with a normal body weight.
The study was conducted on 1,100 obese Tasmanians and showed that - if subjects added to their usual 2,000 steps walks only 2,000 more - therefore walked 4,000 steps daily - would have their waistlines reduced by 2,8 cm if men and 2.2 cm if women. On the other hand, an active person with a normal BMI who regularly walks 10,000 steps daily will get his/her waistline shrunk by only 0.7 cm when adding 2,000 steps to the everyday walk.
Co-author of the study Dr. David Dunstan, Manager of Physical Activity Research at the International Diabetes Institute cautioned that even if obese people benefit more from just a bit of physical effort, it is better to exercise regularly and closely watch your body weight: "In terms of obesity levels, we've proved there are huge benefits to be gained from this low starting point and that should be very encouraging for people. Of course, there are some benefits for those that are already doing more but the magnitude is just not to same."
Having a normal BMI and exercising on a regular basis is very beneficial for one's general physical and mental health, advise medical experts. This is why we should all be preoccupied about our body weight, not for aesthetic purposes, but to preserve our health and prevent a wide range of conditions which may be developed sooner or later in life. It is extremely encouraging for a couch potato to find out that a bit of physical activity will help them lose many pounds. But they should also be aware of the fact that regular exercise and a healthy diet are the key to a healthy life.