A study conducted by researchers at the Oregon National Primate Research Center has uncovered startling new secrets on the effectiveness of calorie cutting in weight loss. A group of monkeys were fed a high-fat diet in a span of several years before switching back to a regular monkey-sized diet. The results showed some weight loss in the monkeys, but the less than stellar amount of weight loss raises serious issues concerning the effectiveness of low-calorie diets.
Another change that was observed in the monkeys was their energy levels. After switching to the lower-calorie diet, the monkeys were observed to have lower activity levels signalling a lack of energy. The doctors believe that the reduced calorie intake caused this decrease. The same effect is likely to be observed in humans under the same conditions. This means that cutting calories might possibly lead to a decrease in the motivation to exercise.
A different test group of monkeys performed some moderate exercises and were observed to have a lost a significantly higher amount of weight compared to monkeys that did not exercise. This is by no means a surprise, but the results of the study shows just how important a combination of diet and exercise is in losing weight.
One way to increase motivation and energy levels (or atleast improve the perception) is by engaging yourself physically. Perform a simple physical activity such as circling your arms a few times. This can help set you in the right frame of mind for exercising.
To sum it up, cutting calories is the key to weight loss. The most effective way to do this is by decreasing calories intake by eating smarter and by increasing calories burned by exercising regularly. There are no secrets being bandied about here, but it can certainly help as a gentle reminder to eat better and exercise more!

Jon Gabriel

















