$Unique_ID{BRK01223}
$Pretitle{Endocrine Glands and Metabolism}
$Title{Beating the Battle of the Scale}
$Subject{diet weight loss exercise}
$Volume{C-26}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Beating the Battle of the Scale


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QUESTION:  I've read all the books, listened to all my friends and cut back on
my daily food intake.  I still can't lose a pound, and I haven't a clue as to
why.  I am even exercising as if I was a teen-ager, but still have my middle
age figure.  Is there anything you can tell me?  There must be thousands of
your readers with the same problem.  Please help us all.

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ANSWER:  There are many letters each week that speak of the same frustration.
Having been on a diet or two myself over the years, I know how aggravating the
morning ritual of stepping on an uncooperative scale can be.  Though there is
no escape from the need to reduce calories and increase activity to lose those
extra pounds, the choice of the foods included in the diet play an important
role because of the different manner in which our bodies handle fats and
carbohydrates.  The statement by many people that the food goes directly from
the mouth to the hips is not entirely wrong.  The body coverts the fat in food
into body fat with great ease, particularly when the meal also includes
carbohydrates or sugars that provide the energy.  When sugar enters the
bloodstream it stimulates the release of insulin which then activates the
enzymes which help the passage of fat from the bloodstream into the fat cells.
Even calory burning exercise can't prevent the fat from being stored in this
way, and once it is in the cells it is very difficult to shed.  But
carbohydrates are stored first as glycogen, much of it in the liver.  Although
the capacity for glycogen storage is limited, the body can expand its capacity
in individuals who exercise.  When the maximum is reached, then the body may
increase your metabolic rate and burn off additional carbohydrates.  It is
only when these two mechanisms are overburdened by the quantities of
carbohydrates coming into the system, that conversion to fat takes place.  So
the answer may be to reduce your fat intake to the minimum, and utilize
carbohydrates to provide the calories you need for energy and work.  In
practical terms, you may eat the potato, without the butter, and the pasta
without the Alfredo!  Add a modest portion of protein, maintain a comfortable
exercise program, stir in a bit more patience, and you have the formula for
beating the battle of the scale.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
