A recent article published by Reuters suggests that the recommended exercise guidelines for adults are far too low and adults who follow the guidelines still gain weight.

“Current recommendations of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 60 minutes of vigorous exercise per week might not be sufficient to prevent long-term weight gain,” lead researcher Trine Moholdt told Reuters Health in an email. “More is needed.”
Moholdt and her team recently published the results of a 22-year study examining weight and exercise patterns of more than 19,000 adults. The study shows that, on average, the men gained roughly 17 pounds while the women gained approximately 19 pounds.

“Only those who exceeded the recommended weekly 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 60 minutes of vigorous activity were able to avoid significant weight gain over both the first and second half of the study period” (Reuters).

So what does this mean? Consider taking your exercise to the next level by participating in at least two intense exercise regimes a week. Try joining a Zumba class or dusting your bike off for some long distance riding. Whatever exercise you decide on, find something that is going to make you sweat and add it to your schedule a few times a week!


Read more about this study in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.