Exercise Update
One of the newer areas of weight loss research
is metabolic rate. "We're finding weight
loss depends not just on calorie intake but also
your individual metabolic rate, or the speed
at which your body burns calories," said
Michelle Battistini, MD.
"Currently, the only way we know of to
increase your metabolic rate is through exercise,
specifically exercise that increases muscle mass,
such as weight training. Muscle burns more calories
than fat, even when your body is at rest. Building
muscle is especially important for women because
they begin to lose muscle mass at mid-life," said
Valerie Weil, MD.
Aerobic exercise alone is not enough though.
Instead, think of aerobics as the backbone of
your exercise program. Then, to raise your metabolic
rate and combat mid-life muscle loss, add weight
lifting or resistance training to your aerobics
routine. Talk with your physician about an individualized
exercise program combining both aerobics and
resistance training.
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