Are our fat cells for life?

Years ago it used to be said that our fat cells were laid down during our early years and by the end of our teens, whatever number we had then were going to be with us for life. We could, of course, fill up those fat cells so they became bigger as we gained weight, or they reduced in size when we lost a few pounds, but the underlying number remained the same.

But it has now been discovered that that is not the case. It’s true that fat cells are laid down in the womb and through our growing years but they can keep on increasing if we keep on eating to excess. The fatter we get, the more fat cells we develop so, sadly, there is no limit to how big we can become.

There is some good news though. Whereas we once believed that our formative fat cells were there for life, in fact, they don’t have to be. Apparently, if we lose weight and keep the weight off, the body ‘gobbles up’ the redundant fat cells. This should give us all tremendous encouragement and the incentive to slim down and stay that way rather than resign ourselves that ‘we’re made that way’.

Exercise plays a very important role in keeping us leaner and in so many areas of our health that we should seriously make time to do some activity every day. Even if it is just walking up and down stairs more often, going for a walk in our lunch break or playing active games with our families or going for a bike ride, the benefits to keeping ourselves slimmer and fitter are enormous. We will not only help to keep our heart and lungs in better health, we will be burning fat and helping to keep our weight under control.

Exercise should be fun and I still think that working out with others in a class is one of the most fun ways – plus you work lots of different muscles which give you a better shape. Have a look on our website, (www.rosemaryconley.com), if you would like to see if one of our diet and fitness classes is near to where you live or work. Just by doing a bit of exercise on a regular basis can make a huge difference to the way you look and feel.

Why not write down today five things you could do on a daily basis that would get you moving more. You don’t have to train for a marathon - just move about more throughout your day.

Fair weather fitness? - get active and beat the cold and rain!

The last couple of weeks of sunshine have lifted our spirits after a long and colder than usual winter. The sun encourages us to get on our bikes, go for a walk, get in the garden and generally get active. But now the sun has gone in and it has turned chilly again and the inclination is to stay in and do less. This is really bad news for our health and our fitness. There is no doubt, activity is a pleasure when you feel the sun on your back.

But activity needs to be regular if we are to see real benefits to our health and fitness and we need to develop a few good habits. They don’t need to be revolutionary. Just small changes that can make a big difference when we add them all up together. For instance, make a rule not to leave things on the bottom step of the stairs – take them up every time. All that stair-walking burns extra calories and tones up your bum. Park your car at the far end of the car park and walk further. If you wear a pedometer you will be amazed how these extra steps mount up and it will really encourage you. Climb the stairs rather than take the lift – even if you can’t manage all of the floors if you are going up a long way, you can always take the lift for the final bit when you’ve gone as far as you can. And rather than send an email to your colleague two desks away, walk over and ask the question.

We all need motivation and a pedometer will help you to find it. Just being conscious that every step you take clocks up on this little gadget so you can see how many steps you have taken in a day is so enlightening. I promise wearing one will make you move more. If you move more, you burn extra calories. When you burn extra calories, you help yourself lose your weight. So, search for that pedometer that you have knocking around in a drawer somewhere or treat yourself to a new one. Choose a simple one as it is off-putting if you have to spend half an hour setting it up. We have a great one that’s dead simple to operate. Just check out our web shop for details.

I know it’s colder today, but don’t use that as an excuse not to become more active.