Research prior to the pandemic showed that small changes in body weight over a short period of time can often become permanent and lead to substantial weight gain over time.  It's been over a year now and some sources estimate that as many as 80% of adults are now working from home, not to mention children who are trying to do school online.  While this pandemic has not been a holiday or vacation for most of us, the similarities can be compared to weight gain occurrences that happen when we deviate from normal routines and eating habits. Here's a few facts to consider: 

1. While our bodies are pretty resilient and short term binges (i.e. one meal or weekend ) of high calorie foods are usually managed by the body, significant fat gain CAN occur over a relatively short period of time (i.e. 1-2 weeks)
2. Individuals who are already overweight or obese are at a greater risk 
3. regular exercises are not exempt; if the balance is tipped on the side of calorie intake...

Most people KNOW that physical inactivity is detrimental to health. The human body is developed in such a way that most systems (skeletal, muscle, metabolic and cardiovascular) do not develop and function in an optimal way, unless they’re stimulated by regular physical activity (Booth et al., 2008).  Inactivity ranks 4^th among the 5 leading causes of GLOBAL mortality, along with high blood pressure, tobacco use, high blood glucose and obesity (World Health Organization, 2009). The health risks of physical inactivity are similar to tobacco use (Lee et al., 2012).    There is one simple solution: BE ACTIVE and MOVE OFTEN!!! Start TODAY and move more!

Inactivity increases the risk of adverse health conditions that are major causes of death and disability worldwide (United Nations, 2011, 2018), including:

HOW MUCH ACTIVITY IS ENOUGH?

The benefits of physical activity are extensive.  Evidence clearly demonstrates regular physical activity is one of the...