Studies have shown that each person's body has a natural weight and that all people, fat or thin, adjust their metabolism to maintain that weight. Dieting affects the body's natural weight by altering metabolism, making lost weight easy to regain despite average or restrained eating. Diet-induced obesity is a new concept used to describe the devastating effects of chronic dieting on body weight. Good eating and exercise habits will influence health and fitness more than weight. While most Americans could lose some weight by eating in a healthful way and becoming more physically active, many would not experience dramatic changes in their weight.
Exercise is no quick fix either.
If it were, the majority of Americans would be slender. But exercise will improve cardiovascular fitness, increase energy, build strength, endurance, and flexibility, strengthen immune systems, reduce stress, improve mental outlook, and improve overall health. Invite participants to raise concerns or questions about the eight myths and realities. Then give instructions for exploring myths. Ask someone to volunteer as group reporter and write group ideas on newsprint.