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Health & Fitness

With Weight Loss, You Can Fight Mother Nature — And Win!

No longer does anyone have any excuse as to why they are overweight. And there's science to back it up.

If you are one of millions of people in this country who are genetically predisposed to weight gain, DO NOT GIVE UP HOPE! New research suggests you can lower your risk of genetic obesity by being physically active.

The "fat gene" is present in approximately three-quarters of Americans, researchers say, and is associated with a 20 to 30 percent increased risk of weight gain.

Many of us believe that once a condition — in this case, obesity — is "programmed" into our genes, there is no way to escape it. Fortunately, as this study shows, that's not the case.

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No longer should anyone use this justification as a "crutch" or an excuse.

In fact, this newest research, published in the recent issue of PloS Medicine Journal, indicates that even people who carry the gene can reduce their risk of obesity with regular exercise and control their weight much better than those who are genetically predisposed but do not work out.

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Preventing the excess weight and fat from piling on is not only a matter of health, but also of life and death; according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 112,000 Americans die each year from illnesses related to obesity — heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer and many others.

The message here is very clear: if you are susceptible to obesity, it is absolutely essential to do everything in your power to maintain a healthy weight. The good news is that you can blunt the impact of genetics with something as simple as exercise.

A vigorous fitness program performed on a regular and sustained basis will be effective, especially if combined with a sensible restricted-calorie diet consisting of lean protein, fresh fruits and vegetables and healthy fats, in a limited amount of lean dairy and whole grains.

If you want a routine that's highly effective for weight loss and maintenance, consider interval training. It will boost your metabolism for a longer period than traditional steady-state cardio, and continue to burn calories and fat for many hours after your workout is finished.

A fitness instructor can help you find a weight and fat busting exercise program that's best for you. The important thing is to do everything you can to beat Mother Nature.

Remember: just because obesity is in your genes doesn't mean it's beyond your control.

Think 'fit,' not 'fat'!

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