Mental (or Emotional) Barriers Block Obese Women from Exercise

Obese women report that several mental barriers keep them from exercising to lose weight, according to a new study conducted by researchers from the Center for Obesity Research and Education and the department of kinesiology at Temple University.

An article published in HealthDay News, reports that the study dealt with mental barriers to exercise, including:

• Feeling self-conscious.
• Not wanting to fail.
• Fearing injury.
• Perceived poor health.
• Having minor aches and pains.
• Feeling too overweight to exercise.

I was struck by the use of "mental" vs. categorizing these issues as "emotional." Perhaps the researchers didn't want to sterotype women? Or perhaps they're not willing to recognize that emotions are just as powerful in determining behavior? (Yes, that was totally an editorial comment. I admit it.)

Here's the full article so you can reach your own conclusions.

Information is Power!

On Sept. 30, California became the first state nationwide to require chain restaurants with more than 15 outlets to post calorie counts for each item on their menus and menu boards. The law won't take effect until 2011, but here's a sneak peak at some eye-opening data from the American Council on Exercise (ACE).

ACE also points to Eat This, Not That from author David Zinczenko. He provides insight into some of the worst chain restaurant foods while offering consumers some alternatives. Before going to your favorite chain restaurant, you may want to consider your choices...

Just one exercise session speeds fat metabolism

Reuters reports on a new study that confirms a single bout of exercise helps obese individuals boost their body's fat-burning rate and improve their metabolic health. Read the article now!

10 Quick Ways to Make A Difference

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Add your voice to the breast cancer community with these easy tips and help create change today.