Weight and LifeStyle Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How does the LifeStyle fitness mentality work with weight loss?

A: According to the Mayo Clinic, the top strategies for successful weight loss are: having commitment, finding emotional support, setting realistic goals, enjoying healthy foods, being active, and changing your lifestyle. Check out the article.

Q: Is LifeStyle Fitness the answer to health care reform?

A: According to Dr. Katherine Schlaerth, Associate Professor of Family Medicine at the Loma Linda University School of Medicine, many of the issues connected to health care costs and medical treatment are related to obesity and lack of exercise.  Some of the interrelated diseases include: Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, vascular problems, hypertension, kidney failure and cancer. “I would estimate something like 50 percent to 70 percent of my patients' medical costs would be eliminated (not reduced -- eliminated) if their diets and exercise regimens were optimized," she states.  Check out the article.

Q: Does exercise help post-menopausal women boost their metabolism?

A: Yes!  In fact, a study conducted by the National Institutes of Health found that endurance training benefits 50+ women as much as it benefits the younger crowd.  Check out the article.

Q: Should I avoid eating at night?

A: According to a study conducted by the National Institutes of Health, "the timing of meals might influence whether incoming calories are burned or stored as fat." "The circadian clock is known to affect many other body functions, including body temperature, hormone levels, hunger and sleep, all of which may contribute to changes in weight."  Check out the article.

Q: What about the scale?

A: Weight loss programs that focus only on the scale are misleading because a large percentage of weight lost during calorie restricting diets is lean tissue and not fat.  “Losing lean tissue often slows metabolism. What your body is made of is more important than what you weigh,” claims Steve Ball, Assistant Professor of Exercise Physiology at the University of Missouri.  A multi-pronged approach consisting of support and exercise is most effective in order to lose body fat and gain health benefits.  Check out the article.

Q: What is a BMI and how do I know what mine is?

A: Your Body Mass Index (BMI) is based on a formula that estimates your body fat based on your height and weight. A BMI of 25 or more is indicative of overweight.  30 and higher is considered obese.  Find out what your BMI is now with this calculator.

Q: Should older adults exercise?

A: Regarding adults in their 70s and 80s, "...remaining and even starting to be physically active increases the likelihood of living longer and staying functionally independent." Check out the article.

What other questions do you have? Start your own health and well-being research.  Knowledge is power! 

Back to LifeStyle Guide
​
This information should not serve as a replacement for therapy.  Please visit the Can Therapy Help Me page for more information if you think you may have an eating disorder, or should require individualized help.
​​​