Study explains why gym visits can fail to reduce weight

A study published today aims to explain why going to the gym does not necessarily lead to weight loss. Led by Professor Klaas Westerterp of the University of Maastricht, Holland, the study explains that people who often do less strenuous exercise such as walking and cycling, are more likely to lose weight than those who do shorter bursts of high-energy workouts. In the study published in today's Nature journal, Westerterp measured 30 men and women and their level of activity over a two-week period. Those who had spent most time doing moderate exercise expended the most energy, while those who had done high-impact exercise had burnt off less calories overall. In the report, Westerterp comments: Subjects wanting to increase their metabolic rate should exchange low-intensity activities such as sitting in front of a screen, for moderate-intensity activities such as walking or cycling. Moderate intensity activities are better tolerated than high-intensity activities, especially by the middle-aged or obese.