September 2003

Exercise valuable in weight loss and reducing cancer risk

Two separate studies reported in the September 10 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association suggest that women benefit from moderate exercise as they embark on a weight-loss program. Exercise also reduces the risk of breast cancer in post-menopausal women.

According to an article in the September 10 issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), intense exercise does not significantly increase the amount of weight lost for women who are dieting and exercising.

The authors of the study recommend interventions that target the adoption and maintenance of at least 150 minutes per week of moderate intensity exercise.

In the second reported study, women who engaged in the equivalent of 1.25 to 2.5 hours per week of brisk walking had an 18 percent decreased risk of breast cancer compared with inactive women. Slightly greater reduction in risk was observed for women who engaged in the equivalent of 10 hours or more per week of brisk walking.

The effect of exercise was most pronounced in women in the lowest body weight group.

"These data from a large prospective cohort of postmenopausal U.S. women support a protective role of physical activity against breast cancer, particularly past regular strenuous physical activity at ages 35 and 50 years, and current increased total physical activity," the authors write. "The finding that increased total recreational and walking physical activity reduces this risk is promising, although it may not be necessary for women to engage in strenuous activity in their older years to enjoy the protective effects of exercise.”

Source: Journal of the American Medical Association

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