See latest posted PDF file on the Ex and Physical Activity "Groups Files" page which is a telling paper by Ed Melanson and Jim Hill (Univ. Colorado) on exercise and fat balance. This is the second paper this group has published in the last severral months reinforcing an important concept in exercise generated fat weight loss. One of the primary reasons why many of us do not loose the weight we expect in response to physical activity programming can be linked to 24-hour energy balance (energy intake/energy expenditure). These researchers (and other similar studies) convincingly demonstrate that in nonfasted individuals (obese or lean) exercise has little effect on daily fat oxidation when 24-hour energy balance is maintained. Energy deficits are required for meaningful weight loss. The primary benefit of exercise training may be preventing additional increases in fat mass or preventing a regain of fat mass. This finding is worth repeatedly reinforcing given the expections of exercise and weight control. It is also worth noting that regular physical activity can substantially reduce cardiometabolic risk with or without weight loss however fat weight loss portends even greater risk reduction.
