Online Tool Predicts Weight Loss With Exercise

First, a caution: the tool described here was designed for research purposes, not as a weight loss guide. Second, a reality: there's no harm in readers doing a little research of their own. Science Daily reports that scientists at the National Institutes of Health have created a mathematical model — and an accompanying online weight simulation tool — of what happens when people of varying weights, diets and exercise habits try to change their weight. And what happens disproves the commonly held belief that eating 3,500 fewer calories — or burning them off exercising — will always result in a pound of weight loss. That's because, among other things, the commonly subcribed to theory fails to account for how metabolism changes. The computer model does that, and more. To test the model, the researchers compared predicted weight changes to actual changes in people. They found that people's bodies adapt slowly to changes in dietary intake, and that heavier people can expect greater weight change with the same change in diet, although reaching a stable body weight will take them longer than people with less fat. One more warning: the tool is complicated. Try it out here.