Weight Loss: The Role of Exercise in Achieving Successful Results
A movement has a significant impact on our health, and many people do not fully recognize this effect. Physical activity is not only for weight loss but also has numerous other beneficial effects that contribute to improving our overall health. Incorporating regular exercise into our daily lives is essential for preventing chronic diseases and enhancing our quality of life.
The Role of Movement in Weight Loss
Most people start exercising because they want to reduce their weight. However, movement plays a role not only in weight loss but also offers many other health benefits. Physical activity increases metabolism, improves cardiovascular functions, and strengthens muscles.
In an Australian study, 58 participants engaged in workouts five times a week at 70% intensity, burning 500 kcal per session. After 12 weeks, the group members lost an average of 3.3 kg, but 26 individuals did not experience any weight loss. The study highlighted that proper energy intake and expenditure are crucial. If nutrition does not align with the calories burned during exercise, weight loss may not occur.
The intensity of the movement also plays a decisive role. Instead of exercising at 70% intensity, it might be beneficial to train at 50-60% to allow the body to burn calories more efficiently and ensure that dietary habits are also guided in the right direction. Self-discipline is key since it is futile to exercise if we do not control our calorie intake.
A Wide Spectrum of Health Benefits
Regular exercise not only has a beneficial effect on weight loss but also offers many other health advantages. In the aforementioned Australian study, significant reductions in participants’ systolic and diastolic blood pressure were observed, which plays a key role in preventing cardiovascular diseases. The average systolic blood pressure decreased by 6 mmHg, while diastolic pressure dropped by 3.9 mmHg, which is already a significant result.
It is important to note that even a 2 mmHg decrease in blood pressure can reduce the risk of stroke by 10%. Additionally, the resting pulse rate also decreased among participants, indicating improved heart health. Furthermore, exercise contributes to improved mood, as endorphins are released during physical activity, enhancing feelings of happiness.
Thus, physical activity strengthens not only the body but also the mind, which can be particularly important for patients struggling with chronic pain.
The Importance of Lifestyle Medicine
In modern medicine, lifestyle medicine is gaining increasing emphasis, taking into account patients’ lifestyles and habits. The role of doctors is to raise awareness among patients about the importance of movement. Research from Heidelberg University shows that when doctors provide written recommendations regarding exercise, 60% of women and 47% of men adhere to them.
This approach offers numerous opportunities for doctors to support their patients in incorporating movement into their daily lives. It is important to discard the viewpoint that taking medication is sufficient for healing. Active patient participation, collaboration with doctors, and appropriate lifestyle changes are essential for achieving lasting health improvements.
Therefore, regular exercise should not only be an alternative but must be an integral part of maintaining health and preventing diseases. An active lifestyle is indispensable not only for physical health but also for mental well-being.
