Slimming a matter of balance

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 4, Issue 2, 10 June 1986, Page 7

Slimming a matter of balance

Slimming, or fattening, is all a matter of energy balance. Energy in food, or calories, comes from the nutrients: fat, protein, carbohydrate (sugar and starches), and alcohol. If we regularly take in more energy than needed, it is stored as fat in adipose tissue.

We use the stored energy when we exercise, as we produce heat and as we carry out all vital processes. If we use more energy than we take in as food then weight is lost. Successful weight loss for the overweight person must hinge on tipping the energy balance towards lower food intake and greater energy output.

Most slimming programmes rely on reducing energy intake. But if food intake is reduced too much there is a real risk of the diet being deficient in essential minerals and vitamins. The added effect of exercise, even in the form of regular walking, will help by increasing energy output which will allow more intake

of nutrients while aiding the weight reduction effect. Slimmers' club meets every Tuesday, 5.00-6.00pm, at the Raetihi Gospel Chapel church hall. If you are overweight come along and learn sensible dieting methods, and exercise with others of similar fitness level to yourself.

Leigh

Berry

Public Health Nurse