We know that obesity is a complex issue involving many factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Research shows that genetics may contribute to obesity. This can lead to people feeling defeated thinking that they will not be able to overcome genetic factors to lose weight. A study performed in Taiwan aimed at examining which exercises can help limit the genetic predispositions to obesity. Their research came up with six exercises that evidence shows can help:
- Jogging
- Mountain climbing
- Walking
- Exercise walking
- International standard dancing
- Yoga
Regular jogging was the only exercise that limited the genetic factors of three obesity markers (BMI, body fat percentage, and hip circumference). The remaining exercises appeared to only limit the genetic effects on BMI.
This research is not intending to say that other forms of exercise don’t help with weight loss. Exercise is an integral part of a healthy lifestyle for all people, no matter if they are a normal weight, overweight, underweight, or obese. In addition to aiding in weight loss, exercise helps build muscle and contribute to bone health, has cardiovascular benefits, improves mental abilities, and improves mood and quality of sleep among other benefits.
Dr. Shillingford, MD, PA encourages his weight loss surgery patients to incorporate exercise into their post-bariatric surgery lifestyle along with their high protein, low-calorie diet to maximize their weight loss. While the above exercises may be the most beneficial exercises to limit genetic predispositions to obesity, the best exercise is the one you will do happily and consistently. It may be playing basketball with your son or daughter or going to Zumba class. If you have found an exercise that you love, stick with it. If you haven’t found an exercise that works well for you yet, consider one on the list above. That is, of course, after you’ve been cleared to exercise at one of your follow up appointments with Dr. Shillingford after your gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, or lap band surgery.
Dr. Shillingford, MD, PA is a board-certified surgeon specializing in advanced laparoscopic and obesity surgery. His gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and gastric band patients often travel from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Coral Springs, Orlando, and even Jacksonville to have their surgery performed by Dr. Shillingford, who proudly serves as Medical Director of Northwest Medical Center’s Center of Excellence in Bariatric Surgery. If you are ready to lose weight with bariatric surgery, call Dr. Shillingford today at (561) 483-8840 to schedule a free informational session to determine if weight loss surgery is the right choice for you.
