Research

        Not sweet: Excess poundage plays a pivotal role in causing type 2, or adult onset, diabetes, according to research presented at the American Diabetes Association's annual scientific sessions recently.

        “The vast majority of type 2 diabetes might be prevented by adopting a more healthy lifestyle, which would likely be beneficial in preventing the cardiovascular disease that often occurs as a complication of diabetes,'' said Dr. Frank B. Hu, assistant professor of nutrition at the Harvard University School of Public Health.

        Other conclusions presented at the sessions:

        • Many people with diabetes who are trying to improve their diets don't seem to know how many calories they really consume a day. The more overweight the person is, the more likely they are to underestimate how much they eat.

        • Overeating may stem from parts of the brain that affect other addictive behaviors. Researchers are debating whether there's a glitch in the hormones that regulate the body's metabolism or whether brain mechanisms that are responsible for drug and alcohol abuse are responsible for overeating.

        • Exercise is the key ingredient for successfully weight loss. Enrollees in the National Weight Control Registry who have maintained a minimum 30-pound weight loss for about six years report burning about 2,700 calories a week through physical activity and exercise. But most weight-loss plans recommend exercise totaling 1,500 calories burned a week.

Sitings

        Click here: Want to know what your HDL level means, or what your target heart rate should be? Check out www.exrx.net for a slew of fitness tests, tips and tools geared at getting your numbers back on the “healthy” side of the chart.

Tips

        On the road: There's no need to let a vacation get in the way of your fitness routine, say the experts at the American Council on Exercise. With a little research and planning, your exercise plans can hit the road with you. Their suggestions:

        • Find out what's available: Every city has a tall building, stadium or tower where you can take to the stairs for a good aerobic workout. Check out available walking, hiking and biking trails. Find out if your hotel has a fitness center or pool. Or just go for a long walk every day.

        • Pack right. If the hotel doesn't have a gym, bring along a jump rope and an exercise tube. Both are lightweight and easy to pack.

        • Have fun. Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, find a little time for yourself every day.

        • Eat right: Get plenty of water. Stick as close to your eating plan as possible, and think about ideal meals you can order in restaurants. Try to eat three times a day so you're not famished. Choose healthy snacks, not mini bar munchies. And if you splurge on a local favorite, remember to balance out your day by choosing lower-calorie fare at other meals.

        Contact Peggy O'Farrell by phone: (513) 768-8510; fax, 768-8330; e-mail pofarrell@enquirer.com.

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