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Summer Holidays and Weight-Loss – An Oxymoron?
With summer holidays underway, many of us are dreading the inevitable kilos creeping on us.
It is important to make the note that while getting rid of excess body fat is beneficial to health, it should not always be seen as the main focus or reason for exercising. Too frequently, I hear of people who give up on a physical activity program because they weren’t losing weight.
Unfortunately, lower cholesterol, better blood glucose control, stronger bones, better mental health and a more energetic heart can’t be seen by jumping on the scales or looking in the mirror.
While 30 minutes a day of physical activity is recommended for general health, recent studies suggest that people wanting to loose weight need to participate in 45-60 minutes of moderate intensity activity, such as swimming, walking, cycling, and dancing, on most days of the week. For some people this in itself can be off putting.
But don’t despair. Start of small and gradually build up. Even if it takes you a whole year before you can achieve this level of activity, you are still going to be much better off than doing nothing at all.
When it comes to physical activity something is always better than nothing, and a little bit more is better still. So don’t rush in. Take it easy, find something you enjoy and then gradually increase the amount you do. 
Article written by Kevin Su
Diabetes Australia Queensland
www.daq.org.au
