Manage Your Weight

Exercise is an important way to manage your weight. Aerobic exercises and strengthening exercises burn calories by increasing heart rate. Physical activity need not be strenuous to achieve health benefits. Women of all ages benefit from a moderate amount of physical activity, preferably daily. The same moderate amount of activity can be obtained in longer sessions of moderately intense activities (such as 30 minutes of brisk walking) as in shorter sessions of more strenuous activities (such as 15 to 20 minutes of jogging). Previously sedentary women who begin physical activity programs should start with short intervals (5 to 10 minutes) of physical activity and gradually build up to the desired level of activity. Women with chronic health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, or obesity, or those who are at high risk for these conditions should first consult their physician before beginning a new program of physical activity. Women over age 50 who plan to begin a new program of vigorous physical activity should first consult their physician to be sure they do not have heart disease or other health problems.