title: Weight control and exercise.
abstract: Obesity in the United States can truly be called a national epidemic. The associated health risks and diseases present a tremendous drain to the economy. The most effective program to lose and maintain a desirable body weight incorporates a combination of restriction in caloric intake with an increase in caloric expenditure through exercise. A gradual approach of losing 1 or 2 pounds per week has proved to be the most effective. Men should strive to maintain approximately 15% body fat and women 25% body fat. Weight-reduction programs that demonstrate phenomenal weight loss in a short period will not work over the long term and may represent a significant health risk. The ability to lose fat and maintain a desirable body weight is not easy but can be attained through a firm commitment to a healthy life style.
authors.affiliation: Graduate Hospital Human Performance and Sports Medicine Center, Human Performance Division, Wayne, Pennsylvania.
authors.forename: D S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Miles
mesh_terms: D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000378:metabolism; D002149:Energy Intake / Q000502:physiology; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D006801:Humans; D009765:Obesity / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy*; D015431:Weight Loss / Q000502:physiology*