Scientists from the University of Copenhagen (UCPH) found that the more time a person devotes to training, the less his daily activity decreases. This results in people losing 22% less weight than planned. The research was published in the journal Current Nutrition Reports.
Researchers reviewed high-quality studies on the effects of exercise on daily activities. In 67% of publications, authors concluded that people compensated for time spent training by reducing their physical activity at home. This means they walk less, cycle less and take the elevator instead of stairs. This effect was observed in men and women of all body weights.
The finding has important implications for weight loss: One study concluded that subjects lost 22% less weight than expected on exercise programs by reducing daily activity.
“Losing weight is about changing the balance between the amount of energy you consume and the amount you expend. You can change your diet to eat less or increase your level of physical activity. Theoretically, the energy deficit from more exercise should lead to weight loss. However, in practice we find that the two are rarely related and weight loss from exercise is often less than expected. “This indicates the existence of some kind of compensatory mechanism,” the scientists explained.
According to scientists, the reason for the decrease in activity may be post-exercise fatigue. However, research shows that the psychological factor is more important – the reward system is triggered: a person convinces himself that if he works, he now has the right to go for a long walk with the dog or go to the store by car. rather than by bike. Therefore, the factor of compensatory decrease in activity should be taken into account by all compilers of weight loss programs.
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