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Role of calories in weight maintenance

The problem of obesity is bigger than it is considered to be. There are a number of hazards associated with it. It can cause the chronic health problem like diabetes, high blood pressure and heart problems.

Most of the treatment options for obesity are not effective. The individual using these treatment gains a short term benefit of weight loss. It is likely for the participants to gain the weight again and in some cases an individual gains more weight then the actual decrease.

The recent study at the University of Alabama has revealed the fact the main reason behind the post-gain of weight is the consumption of high calorie diet.

The test was conducted on 89 participants of the EatRight program conducted by the university. After two years of the thorough study the scientist found that the 80% participants of the study were able to maintain their weight loss.

The experiment found that the testees, who were able to maintain the weight, followed a good dieting habit. The common ingredients of their diet include low energy density food like vegetables, fruits and whole grains. The low energy diet enables an individual to eat more and still maintain the lower level of calories.

One important factor of the study is that most of the testees were not able to maintain the desired level of exercise. Though, it doesn’t mean that the exercises are not important yet the study revealed the importance of diet control as a part of the technique of weight maintenance.

The EatRight program

The EatRight program was introduced 30 years ago by university of Alabama. The concept behind the program is time calorie displacement. It encourages people to take the food with low calorie intensity. The most beneficial low calorie diet includes whole grains, fruits and vegetables.

These foods enable to be taken in large quantity to satisfy the appetite and to get all the necessary vitamins and minerals. The higher calorie foods such as meat, sugar, cheese and fats must be avoided by the individual looking to lose the weight.

The EatRight program insists on making behavioral changes in the individuals along with the physical activities and diet control. The behavioral change will make it possible for the individual to adopt a healthy life style. It believes in setting a short term and easy to achieve goal for the fitness aspirants to provide them the self confidence and self satisfaction.

The study revealed the importance of low calorie diet in controlling the weight. It is very important for the weight looser to be stick with the lower density diets to maintain the desired level of weight.