THE HIDDEN FACTOR IN WEIGHT LOSS

Published on Saturday, October 2, 2010  
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Posted by admin at 12:33 PM GMT
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Filed under PLEASURE AND HAPPINESS

We all know that exercise leads to weight loss.  But is there something else involved?  A research study published in the International Journal of Clinical and Health Psychology found that exercise creates changes in tension and depression and that it is the changes in tension and depression that contribute to weight loss, not the exercise.  Exercise accounted for only 17% of the loss in weight.  In other words, exercise leads to changes in mood and changes in mood contribute to weight loss.

These findings make me wonder whether being overweight is more about lacking pleasure in life.  Exercise release endorphins, much like any other pleasurable activity.  Endorphins change mood and make people happier.  It would be interesting to investigate whether engagement in other pleasurable activities would also result in weight loss.  Maybe more dancing, singing, and/or hanging out with friends makes you as thin as running 5 miles!

Reference
Annesi, J. (2010). Relationship of physical activity and weight loss in women with class II and class III obesity: Mediation of exercise-induced changes in tension and depression. International Journal of Clinical and Health Psychology, Vol 10(3), Sep, 2010. pp. 435-444

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2 Comments

Comment by Allison

10 Mar 2011 | fotiygs.livejournal.com »

The hidden factor in weight loss.. Peachy :)

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Comment by p90x calendar

14 Mar 2011 | adjosan.info/wikka.php?wakka=AnnaSmith »

Terrific work! This is the type of information that should be shared around the internet. Shame on Google for not positioning this post higher! Come on over and visit my site . Thanks =)

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