The Nation - News from Aug. 4, 1989

Many Americans remain fat because they refuse to exercise while they diet, according to the Centers for Disease Control. CDC researchers reported that 43.6% of overweight men and 63.9% of women tried to lose weight only by eating fewer calories, and 24.3% of heavy men and 34.7% of the overweight women increased their physical activity but did not diet. “We need to incorporate physical activity along with caloric restriction,” said Eddas M. Bennett, a CDC epidemiologist. “One is not better without the other. You really need both.” The CDC survey found that 34 million Americans--about one in four adults--are overweight by 20% or more. Bennett blamed the unwillingness to exercise on the preoccupation with fad diets and a “more sedentary” life style.