A new study published in the journal from the American Gastroenterological Association says that people who are overweight and obese will experience far more stomach distress if they stay sedentary. This finding follows along with everything we know about inactivity — it makes any situation worse.
Obese people — and there are extraordinarily high numbers of them in North America — are at a much higher risk of diarrhea, constipation, irritable bowels, and stomach pain than people who maintain a healthy weight. And those who get little exercise are at an increased risk of experiencing these gastrointestinal symptoms. From research conducted in Seattle and Minnesota, doctors found that obese people who incorporated some sort of physical activity into their daily routine suffered fewer symptoms than those who remained inactive did. It’s the first study to illustrate the direct link between staying active and cutting down on gastrointestinal symptoms.
Researchers pooled data from 1,800 men and women over the course of 24 months. Obese individuals who maintained a healthy eating plan (upping their intake of fruits and vegetables) and incorporated some daily exercise had the best results. One problem in society is that obese individuals might think there’s nothing that can be done about their condition. Depression often feeds off of wide waistlines, fueling binge eating and a sedentary lifestyle. In fact, experts know that many obese people are binge eaters.
So one way to get off this unhealthy track is to know that something can be done. Incorporating some exercise into each day can provide you with a more positive outlook, but, most importantly, it will cut down on the often crippling stomach pain and intestinal problems that are so prevalent. It means the difference between leading a normal life — even though you are overweight — or leading a life filled with constant discomfort.
And that is truly important. Exercise doesn’t have to be vigorous, either. A long walk, a short jog, some swimming, bicycling, or water aerobics can do wonders if you incorporate them into each day for a few months. Even after a week, you’ll notice signs of improvement. Many obese people prefer water aerobics because it reduces the strain on their joints when exercising. This is because floating in water makes the body weigh far less and the natural resistance it exerts makes for a great workout.
Source: Levy, RL et al. “The Association of Gastrointestinal Symptoms With Weight, Diet, and Exercise in Weight-Loss Program Participants,” Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sept 23 2005.
Next Post: If you’re sick of suffering
Previous Post: Fungi in Your Feathers
Tags: exercise, stomach problems
