First, the conclusion: “Bicycling,
similar to brisk walking, is associated with less weight gain
and an inverse dose-response relationship exists, especially
among overweight and obese women.” This unsurprising news comes from researchers at the Harvard Nurses’ Health Study, which follows 116,608 female nurses
who periodically fill out questionnaires about their health, weight,
diet and behavior. Read an abstract of the study, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine.
The New York Times offers a bit more detail, reporting that the researchers found that women who increased physical activities like brisk walking
and bicycling by 30 minutes a day during the 16-year study period maintained
their weight and even lost a few pounds, but those whose exercise was
slow walking did not lose any weight. Women who decreased their bicycling time from more than 15 minutes a
day to less than 15 minutes gained about four-and-a-half pounds on
average.
You mean that those who actually exercised with at least a moderate intensity were leaner, healthier and in better shape than those who didn’t? Who would have ever thought that the two, exercise and health/weight, might have some relationship?
Thanks for teaching me to take nothing for granted, such as common sense…smile.
namaste
William,
I've been admiring your comments on SportsGeezer for years. If you would like it, I would be happy to send you a free SportsGeezer cap. Just send me your address.
Best,
Art Jahnke
Editor
SportsGeezer
When was the last time you saw a 300 lb. woman on a bicycle. Not only does activity lead to weight loss but people with healthy bodies generally are attracted to exercise. One does and enjoys what one is good at.
Why is money wasted on ridiculous “Well, DUH!” studies like this?
The problem with nearly every medical study we have reported to us in the media is that most studies prove correlation, but not causation.
For example, did you know that nearly 99% of all people who die in automobile accidents ate bread within 2 weeks of the accident?
The problem with that logic is obvious, but even in this case (although I believe in my heart of hearts it’s true) I would be foolish to just accept that concluding that riding bikes prevents weight loss without first examining and eliminating other factors (genetics, other exercise, better eating habits, environmental issues, etc) further makes this study a waste of money.
My guess is that anyone who engages in brisk exercise regularly also has other habits that contribute to weight loss and better overall health (akin to Peter’s comment). I know when I’m at my peak fitness levels, I’m also watching everything I put in my body. And times like right now when I’m not running due to the rediculous heat, I’m also eating worse (I hate to admit!).
Unfortunately, some of them are also deader! I decided to start riding at age 53, had an accident with a traumatic brain injury, fractured ribs, etc. with long-term effects. It scared me to death! I’m keeping my feet on the ground now!
Laura Lee Carter aka the Midlife Crisis Queen