Just Do It

                Recently the Global Burden of Disease report showed that obesity had eclipsed hunger in its worldwide prevalence. Obesity is now the most common disease in the world. Such a development is monumental, for the first time in the history of the world; a non communicable disease is most common in the world. The fact that obesity is a non communicable disease should be viewed as an opportunity for the nations of the world.  At a recent UN conference, the obesity problem was discussed and the conference called for nations to address the issue through policy change. Policy change is to be hoped for, but let’s be realistic, all of us will have three chins before America does anything about the growing obesity rates. Policy change will be important but change must start at a smaller level if it is to be effective. Alone we cannot solve the obesity epidemic, but we can ensure that we choose to live healthy lives. For a healthy life, exercise is extremely important for the body and it is imperative that you make a point to exercise in at least some capacity.

                So when I wrote that last sentence, I imagine the whole room groaning at me, or giving a loud huff. Exercise is not fun. It is work, and often times painful work. But, let’s be selfish for just a minute. Pain aside, what can exercise give us right now? Well luckily for us, exercise has a lot to give. First off, exercise has been shown to increase ones quality of sleep, allowing for deeper, more restful sleep. This improvement is sleep then helps to improve clarity of mind. Clarity of mind is also attributed to the neurotransmitters released in the brain during exercise. Dopamine is the most prevalent and contributes to what is known as the “runner high”, an elated feeling one gets after running or jogging. These neurotransmitters from exercise have also shown in studies to help lessen the symptoms of depression in patients.

                Now that we have been selfish, let’s be vain. What does exercise have to offer my body? Yes, yes it helps me sleep better and think clearer but I want more. No worries, exercises such as running, lifting weights, and yoga all help the body to trim away adipose tissue, i.e. fat, and replace it with muscle. I want to be careful here to clarify that I do not support the thin obsession our current society stuffs down our throats.  Having said that, I feel that we can all appreciate nicely toned muscle without going overboard. And how does one get nicely toned muscle? With exercise.

                All of these benefits I have mentioned are primarily things that have effects in the near future. However, exercise has many long term benefits as well. It is commonly understood that as the body ages muscle mass decrease to only a shadow of its former glory. As reported in the New York Times, scientific research is now suggesting that this aspect of aging may be avoided with regular weight lifting and other muscular strength exercises. Instead of notable mass decreases occurring around age 40, with regular use of free weights, a recordable decrease does not happen until age 70, and even this decrease is considered to be nominal.

As the body ages it becomes more susceptible to ailments such as cancer and heart disease. Research and long term studies have shown that regular exercise, both aerobic and anaerobic, contribute a decreased risk for such illnesses. This is increasingly important in a society that has a long average life span. If you have heart attack, it is likely the doctors will be able to rehabilitate your body but your quality of life may be far from what it used to be. Through exercise these illnesses are much more likely to be avoided; allowing you to enjoy your 70s, 80s, and 90s without pesky doctors and medication.

A common misconception, and one that I often find myself believing, is that in order for exercise to count, it has to be a huge two hour ordeal or that I have to run 6 miles before I can say that I exercised. This is totally untrue. A walk around the block counts as exercise. If all you are able to do is jog half a mile, then jog half a mile, and next week jog three quarters of a mile. What matters is that you jogged.

In the same spirit, time is very precious and taking two hours to exercise may not be a possibility. This is another lie I often find myself believing, that I do not have any time to exercise. Some nights I truly do have too much work to fit in any exercise, but most nights I find that there is at least 20 minutes I can use to exercise. This is not a complete surrender of my time, because when I return to my work I feel refreshed and have a clear head. Now obviously the more time you are able to exercise the better but a little is still more than none at all.

The topic of as an international obesity is not likely to go away soon, governmental action is likely to be fragmented and ineffective. But do not be discouraged, there are steps to be taken within our own lives that can ward off obesity and the illnesses that it brings with it. While being a rather uncomfortable venture, the benefits of exercise far outweigh the momentary discomforts. And remember, you do not have to run a marathon to make an impact on your health; any effort is appreciated by the body.