Physical Activity

HMR recommends a minimum of 2,000 calories of physical activity each week. Researchers have found that successful weight maintainers participate in at least that much weekly physical activity, which equals about 45 minutes of moderate activity per day. Government agencies and other researchers have found that between 30-90 minutes of daily activity is most beneficial for weight and health management.

Research has proven the benefits of physical activity:

• Reduces the risk of developing heart disease
• Reduces the risk of diabetes and aids in its management
• Reduces the risk of high blood pressure and aids in its management
• Reduces the risk of certain cancers – including colon and breast cancer
• Helps to manage weight
• Helps build and maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints
• Reduces falls in older adults
• Helps prevent or reduce the pain of arthritis
• Reduces feelings of depression and anxiety and improves mood
• Improves self-confidence and self-image

Physical activity is critical for weight loss and long-term weight management:

Physical activity burns calories and, therefore, increases weight loss.

To maintain weight, one needs to balance the calories burned in physical activity with those being consumed. The more calories burned, the more one gets to eat. There is a great deal of research showing that physical activity is important in helping people maintain lost weight.