The number of calories used up by exercise is often less than expected,
but despite this, it is much easier to go down in weight, and also avoid
going up, if you exercise regularly.
Our bodies are made for movement. The people who we are descended from,
devoted most of their time to physical activities. The normal weight
regulation system functions better if we exercise. Overweight occurs when
this system doesn't function correctly and you want to eat even when you
should be satified. Physical activity helps the body to feel hunger and
satisfaction in the right way. A combination of exercise and avoidance of
fat and junk food, which distort our ability to feel satisfaction, is
important. The effect of exercise on the intake of food was first
discovered during research on rats. The rats were allowed to exercise at
different times per day and it was found that when they exercised for one
hour or more, their eating increased in accordance with their calorie
requirements, but when they exercised for less than one hour their eating
increased anyway instead of getting less. The body's natural weight
regulation no longer functioned when they exercised for less than one
hour. Practical experience indicates that exercise does make it easier
also for us to keep to a certain weight. You will eat less if you
exercise. (Plus, it is impossible to eat while you are exercising!)