Fun and Fitness for the 40-Something

From the “no kidding” file comes the headline “Weekends slow weight loss, researchers find.”

A study published in the research journal Obesity was designed to determine whether changes in diet and/or activity during weekends contribute to weight gain or hinder weight loss. It found that 48 adults between the ages of 50 and 60 (including 30 women) consistently gained weight on weekend days but not weekdays. The study attributed this to greater calorie consumption on Saturdays and reduced physical activity on Sundays.

According to an article on the study, the researchers recommend “moderation and careful planning to avoid weekend pitfalls.” Pack healthy food if you’re running errands, eat before you arrive at a party, bring a light lunch to the kids’ ball games to preempt trips to the concession stand. So … pretty much the same basic advice you can find in just about any women’s or fitness-related magazine.

The article indicates that the study was supported by the National Institutes for Health. Good to know that this is the type of groundbreaking research our government is funding. After all, it’s not like there are more pressing concerns.