Dukan Diet

CHARLOTTE — Lots of people work out and dont lose weight. Dietitian Alicia Knetsche says a big reason for that is because they arent watching what they eat.

"Its not realistic at all," she said. "A lot of people have the misconception Hey, Im exercising, I can eat whatever I want to."

Charlotte YMCA Health and Wellness Director Erin Karp Agrees.

"I think a lot of people feel that because theyre starting to exercise, the scale is automatically going to move down," Karp said.

In one study, researchers followed a group of mostly overweight women who didnt usually exercise through a supervised fitness program.

By the end of the program three months later, they were all significantly more fit. However, very few lost weight.

In fact, 70 percent gained fat. A few gained as much as ten pounds, and it wasnt muscle.

The researchers also found that timing is important. Researchers say that if people havent seen results from an exercise program after four weeks, its a good time to stop and take stock.

"Its really looking at the overall picture," Knetsche said. "Your eating habits, the intensity of your exercise, the frequency of your exercise, you have to take all that into account." 

By Stacey Simms

Source: http://centralnc.twcnews.com/content/lifestyles/healthy_living/714265/healthy-living--exercise-and-weight-loss/