251019 Gaining weight as we age 3 of 3

251019 Gaining weight as we age 3 of 3

Oftentimes people say they weigh the same now as they did in high school or college. However, they don’t look the same. Somehow, the weight they now weigh and the way it looks on their body is entirely different from their youth. In many cases, weight gain is common in this population but it does not have to be inevitable.

Snacking and TV

A new study, conducted by researchers at the University of North Carolina, determined that the more involved you are in a TV show or game, the more you snack. They tested the snacking behavior of 120 men and women, all between the ages of 18 and 35, while they were watching various TV programs or playing different video games.

The results, subsequently published in the international Journal of behavioral nutrition and physical activity, determined that the primary key to increased snacking was a greater absorption in the game or program. Looking over the data, the researchers found that watching or playing a game continuously had a direct effect on the participants snacking behavior.

While watching a continuous show or playing a game, the snacking increased when compared to watching 90 seconds of a show or playing only 90 seconds of the game.

The researchers concluded, “Narrative appears to be a particularly strong distractor,” thus leading to mindless eating.

If you find yourself in this situation more times than not throughout the week, perhaps a healthier change in routine would be in order.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that older adults need to exercise at least two hours and 30 minutes with moderate aerobic activity each week and participate in muscle strengthening activities two or more days during that same week.

The strength training sessions should concentrate on the major muscle groups such as the shoulders, chest, upper back, lower back, abdominals, and legs.

Even though you may be exercising 150 minutes a week, this does not give you the excuse to indiscriminately eat everything in the house while watching TV or playing a game. Bad dietary decisions will consistently override physical activity and lead to increased fat accumulations.