NEWS EXERCISE UPDATE AS IF WE NEED

MORE CONVINCING THAT PEOPLE NEED TO GET ACTIVE? We have known for some time that physical activity can reduce depression and fatigue. However researchers in the US studying people with chronic diseases have found that it can do this by increasing self-efficacy, or the belief that one can master physical goals and attain a sense of accomplishment from applying oneself. These were the findings of a study by lead author Dr Edward McAuley, a professor of kinesiology and community health at the University of Illinois in Champaign. Dr McAuley’s research appears in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine. Source: Psychosomatic Medicine 2010;72:224-225

Exercise and nutrition protects against diabetes for up to 10 years

New research suggests that a period of careful eating and regular physical activity could prevent diabetes for up to a decade.

US researchers followed up nearly 3,000 overweight people who had taken part in a three-year diabetes prevention programme. They had initially been divided into three groups, one undertaking a diet and exercise programme, the second taking the anti-diabetic drug metformin and the third group a placebo.

According to the researchers, the people who were dieting gained the greatest benefit.

The trial, carried out by the Diabetes Prevention Program Research Group, was based on

a diet which aimed at achieving 7 per cent weight loss, combined with half an hour of physical activity five days a week. The risk of developing Type 2 diabetes was reduced by 58 per cent in the diet and exercise group compared with the placebo group. The group on metformin saw their risk decline by nearly a third.

Seven years after the three year trial

ended, both the drug and placebo groups who were continuing to eat more carefully and take regular physical activity, saw the rate of diabetes fall.

Source: Diabetes UK http://www. medicalnewstoday.com/ articles/169376.php

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The REPs Journal 2010;16(March):8-10