Exercise physiology for weight loss

Exercise physiology and weight loss

Most often weight loss is also accompanied by a loss of fat free mass (muscle) which can lead to a reduced metabolism. Your metabolism is the rate with which you burn calories.
A higher metabolism can help you burn more calories and help you lose more weight for a longer period of time. We are pleased to refer our patients to a number of exercise physiologists.

To prevent and minimize the loss of muscle mass and metabolism during weight loss there are two main things that you need to do:
• Eat enough protein for your body which is also important to control appetite and
• Get enough exercise/physical activity. Physical activity is anything that gets your body moving and increases your breathing and heart rate.

Benefits of exercise
• Improve your metabolism and burn more calories
• Increase energy
• Improve physical and mental health
• Opportunity for social connection if in a group setting or enjoy some solitude if you prefer to exercise on your own
• Improve sleep
• Improve blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels

Physical Activity and Exercise Guidelines for all Australians (including bariatric patients)
• Be active on most days (preferably all) with a minimum of 150 to 300 min per week of moderate activity (eg. brisk walking, bike riding)
• or 75 to 150 min per week of vigorous activity (eg. jogging, playing a sport, sit ups) or a combination of both moderate and vigorous activity
• Include strength training 2 – 3 times per week (eg. weight training or body weight exercises)
• Minimize and breakup long periods of sitting

Physical Activity after surgery
• Start with walking; start slowly and build up gradually. Focus on improving distance and time before increasing the intensity (ie. slow to brisk)
• Get the clear from surgeon before starting any strength training

Free Resources
• Get Active Victoria -Free to join for workouts, tools and resources.
• Physical Activity and Exercise Guidelines

For more information, call our team today on: 03 9457 6690