The Art and Science of Weight Loss

摘要

Unhealthy dietary intake and inadequate physical activity are the foundation of many chronic diseases that plague the human race. These behaviors have their roots firmly planted in a society that has increasingly engineered physical activity out of our lives, and made available food that is high in fat and calories. The combination has turned deadly for our society. Low aerobic fitness, a consequence of sedentary lifestyle, is associated with a 56% increased risk of heart disease,1 and a 35% increased risk of Alzheimer's dementia,2 compared with individuals with high cardiorespiratory fitness. It is estimated that physical inactivity accounts for 1 in 10 deaths worldwide; and if physical inactivity could be reduced by just 25%, 1.3 million deaths could be averted each year.3 Likewise, diets high in saturated fat are associated with higher rates of heart disease.