Avoid Creeping Obesity

The average inactive person gains approximately one pound each year after age 25. That equates to a total of 30 pounds of excess weight by age 55. This slow but steady gain of body fat is what nutritionists call creeping obesity.

Resting metabolic rate refers to the number of calories our bodies require to function when in a relaxed resting state. If you lose one pound of muscle due to inactivity, you may lower your resting metabolic rate by as much as 50 calories daily. The reverse will also happen: Add a pound of muscle to the body and the resting metabolic rate can increase by as much as 50 calories per day.

You can avoid creeping obesity by keeping physically active. With regular exercise, you’ll maintain muscle – or at the very least slow any muscle loss. Brisk walking (outdoors or on a treadmill) provides an effective fat-burning and cardiovascular workout, because it uses the large muscles in your body. Walk uphill or on an incline to work the leg muscles even more. Depending on your size and the intensity of your exercise, 60 minutes on the treadmill can help you burn between 700 and 850 calories.