Dietary Guidelines -Balance the food you eat with physical activity Many Americans gain weight in adulthood, increasing their risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, certain types of cancer, arthritis, breathing problems, and other illness. If you are overweight and have one of these problems, try to lose excess body fat through sensible eating habits and increased physical activity. If you are uncertain about your risk of developing a health problem associated with being overweight, please consult with a health professional. In order to stay at the same body weight, people must balance the amount of calories in the foods and drinks they consume with the amount of calories the body uses.
Physical activity is an important way to use food energy.
In addition, many americans of all ages now spend a lot of leisure time each day being inactive, for example, watching television or working at a computer. To burn calories, devote less time to sedentary activities like sitting. Spend more time in activities like walking to the store or around the block. Use stairs rather than elevators. Less sedentary activity and more vigorous activity may help you reduce body fat and disease risk.