Facebook/Marlon AndersonMarlon Anderson with his wife.

Marlon Anderson is an African-American man who says he was fired from his security assistant position at a Madison, Wisconsin high school after he used the N word in the context of telling a disruptive student to stop calling him the N word. He was trying to educate the student that its important to not use the word, he says.

That context is everything, Andersons supporters say. And they are many. His termination and the strict enforcement by the school district of a zero tolerance policy has outraged many people, including the actress Cher, who is now vowing to foot the costs for any lawsuit Anderson would file against the school district.

Shes just one of many people who have rallied around Anderson, calling for the school district to give the father of three his job back. A Change.org petition urging just that has been signed by more than 9,000 people.

I am still fighting for my position @ West and for justice to be applied to my situation, Anderson wrote on Facebook. I am also still fighting to challenge the no tolerance policy that made me a casualty to its flawed planning and implementation. Please continue to keep us in your prayersGod bless.

Theres some evidence that the public pressure might be moving school officials. I think what we are hearing is that there are many other lenses that we should be looking at this policy through, said interim superintendent Jane Belmore to WKOW-TV. And thats what we want to try to make space for.

However, Gloria Reyes, president of the Madison Board of Education, reiterated to CNN: We are working to make our school climates the best they can be for all students and staff. Weve taken a tough stance on racial slurs, and we believe that language has no place in schools.

Heres what you need to know:

Marlon Anderson with his wife.

Andersons side of the story is simple. He says he used the slur only to tell the student, who is also black, not to use the slur, according to The Associated Press. Anderson claims the Madison West High School student was being disruptive during the October 9, 2019 incident.

According to the Change.org petition and his Facebook page, Anderson says: Short story. I get called a bit** *ss Ni**A by a student, I responded do not call me ni**a! And I got fired. MMSD I, unfortunately, expected better. MMSD stands for Madison Metropolitan School District.

Anderson told CNN that the incident occurred when he was called to help the assistant principal escort a student from school grounds, but the student was allegedly resisting, including yelling and pushing the principal. Anderson told CNN the student yelled the slur and expletives at him. He told CNN he tried at first to tell the student to stop without using the N word, but the student kept hurling it at him, so finally he said, Dont call me (n-word), the comment that he says got him fired.

Because I didnt accept it and tried to correct the behavior with hopes of a restorative conversation, I got fired, he told 27 News.

According to the Capital Times newspaper in Madison, the school districts position is that Anderson violated a zero tolerance policy by using a racial slur.

Staff members in the school district posted a photo in support of Anderson, holding signs that said things like black staff matter and MMSD Zero Context. Context matters.

According to the Capital Times, Anderson has received a lot of support. The West Black Student Unions members held a walkout urging the school district to give Anderson his job back (his son, Noah, is its president). His union has filed a grievance.

We hope that the union will press the issue aggressively on behalf of Anderson and all of its members, a Cap Times editorial urged.

Anderson took to Facebook to share videos of the walkout and expressed great emotion, writing, I have cried so much watching you guys on social media my head lost weight, I am overwhelmed by the love when I get back I will personally walk everybody to class ON TIME ! Today America witnessed the best of us, many different races, faiths, cultures, all together many faces one goal, justice thank you,all of you, thank your families, for supporting you, thank you Madison Police for keeping our kids safe, I truly love yall all yall!

Anderson also revealed that he has been offered a job with a local Boys & Girls Club.

I want to thank Michael Johnson for offering me this interim position @ the Boys and Girls Club. This is a great help to be able to earn wages while we go through this appeals process, he wrote on Facebook.

On Facebook, Anderson gave details about the cost to his family and his health from the termination.

The reality is I did not just loose (sic) wages but also benefits. Most importantly we will soon be without health insurance which makes the loss that much more impactful to myself and my family, he wrote. My medical needs are the most urgent concern to me as I am insulin dependent. This among other reasons is why I am still fighting for my position @ West with fervor.

He added: I am amazed at the dynamic support from my Madison Community your love is recognized and so appreciated.

Anderson frequently posts religious references on social media. Psalm 18:2 The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold, he wrote in one post after his firing.

According to his Facebook page, Andersons title at the Madison high school was School Security Assistant. He wrote that he went to Milwaukee High School of the Arts, is from Itta Bena, Mississippi, and is married to Ozanne J. Kincaid-Anderson.

He has filled his Facebook page with photos showing his wife and three sons. In June, he wrote of his son, Micah: Micah Anderson became 14 years old yesterday, graduated middle school today, and leaves for Vegas tomorrow because he and his team won the 100 black men black History bowl to compete nationally ( they will probably win that to.PROUD DAD!!!!!!!!!!! KEEP UP THE AMAZING WORK SON LOVE YOU TOO MUCH!

In 2018, he wrote on Facebook that he had been married to his wife for 20 years, writing, Happy anniversary. I think we got this right, 20 years later I can still say I love you with no regrets. CNN reports that one of Andersons kids is a senior at the Madison high school and another is a recent graduate.

FacebookMarlon Anderson and his wife.

Many people have praised Andersons personality and importance to the school district. He is the reason that most of our black student show up, said Michelle Bayouth, a Latin teacher at the school, to WKOW-TV. He makes them feel wanted in this school.

Cher wrote on Twitter, responding to a news story on Anderson: How Can Ppl Be This Disrespectful A Beloved,Man of Color Just Passed,& Our Nations Mourning Him.Cong.Elijah Cummings FOUGHT FOR JUSTICE.He Was loved & Feared. If You Want To sue MMSD Ed.Board I Will Incur Your expenses.EC.

Community leader Kaleem Caire urged Madison to do better and the school district to give Anderson his job back, writing on Madison365, MMSD needs to modify this lazy, harmful and hole-punched policy that allows it to avoid doing the real work that any HR department should do by looking at the context in which such a word (or any other) is used. They are an academic institution and should be educating themselves and young people about the use of words like the N-word, not running from it.

Caire added, Marlon spent 12 years in MMSD. Who will replace him and the strong relationships and familiarity he had with students and staff? I also want to add that last year I helped a white female teacher get another teaching job after she was given the option by MMSD to resign or be terminated (she resigned) after she used the N-word as means to try to correct a student who was using racist language in class.

My understanding of the policy was white staff shouldnt use the N-word under any circumstances, Anderson said to NBC News. But I had no idea me being called the word and me telling the student not to call me the word would get me fired.

READ NEXT: Remembering the Life of Elijah Cummings.

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Marlon Anderson: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know - Heavy.com

St. Louis, MO, Oct. 18, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Board-certified bariatric surgeon Dr. Jay Michael Snow reports that he has performed over 2,000 weight loss procedures at St. Louis Bariatrics, the practice that he founded in 2011. In honor of this milestone and his commitment to putting better health within reach, St. Louis Bariatrics is offering special pricing on gastric sleeve surgery. For a limited time, self-pay patients can access an inclusive surgery package for just $11,111.

Dr. Snow understands that cost can be a barrier to many patients who are seeking an effective weight loss solution. While bariatric surgery can be covered by health insurance, many patients are uninsured, lack bariatric coverage, or are frustrated by confusing and prohibitive insurance requirements. Dr. Snow hopes to help more people in St. Louis and the surrounding area overcome obesity by offering a self-pay package with transparent pricing at a practice where patient care is the priority. Bariatric surgery is not an easy way out, and patients need support and tools in order to achieve long-term weight loss success says Dr. Snow. Im honored to have helped so many people find a path to healthier living and I hope that anyone who is ready to make a change will get in touch with us to learn about their options. We have patients who are happier and more active than they ever could have dreamed they could be after having surgery.

Gastric sleeve surgery offers more than just weight loss; it can also cure diabetes and resolve conditions such as hypertension, osteoarthritis, and sleep apnea., While gastric sleeve is the most popular weight loss surgery in the U.S., Dr. Snow is experienced in a full range of weight loss options. The procedures he has performed at St. Louis Bariatrics include non-surgical endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) and non-surgical gastric balloon, as well as gastric bypass surgery, and gastric banding.

Dr. Snow is able to offer the $11,111 self-pay package for gastric sleeve for an extremely limited time, so patients should contact St. Louis Bariatrics soon if they are interested in taking advantage of this special pricing. Patients interested in exploring any weight loss options are encouraged to schedule a consultation appointment now in order to get started in 2019.

About Dr. Jay Michael SnowIn addition to overseeing St. Louis Bariatrics, Dr. Snow is also the Bariatric Medical Director at Mercy Hospital Jefferson. Dr. Snow is highly regarded by his patients and he has won a Top Doctor in St. Louis award from The Leading Physicians of the World and the International Association of HealthCare Professionals in 2017, 2018, and 2019. Patient reviews often mention his compassionate manner and comprehensive care. Dr. Snow received his Bachelors and his Medical Degree University of Missouri, Columbia and completed fellowship training in Bariatric Surgery at the Minnesota Institute for Minimally Invasive Surgery.

About St. Louis BariatricsSt. Louis Bariatrics was founded on the premise that exceptional patient care is the key to successful weight loss. In addition to Dr. Snow, the team at St. Louis Bariatrics includes a Registered Dietitian and clinical staff who are dedicated to helping patients reach their goals. St. Louis Bariatrics specializes in empowering patients with personalized treatment plans and the resources they need to take control of their health.

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1 Journal of Diabetes Research 2015; 2015: 674268. Published online 2015 Apr 14. Doi

2 Mayo Clinic. Bariatric Surgery. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/bariatric-surgery/about/pac-20394258 Accessed October 17, 2019.

3 American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Estimate of Bariatric Surgery Numbers, 2011-2017. Available at: https://asmbs.org/resources/estimate-of-bariatric-surgery-numbers Accessed October 17, 2019.

St. Louis BariatricsAddress: 1400 US-61, Suite G50Festus, MO 63028Phone Number: (314) 310-1386Fax Number: (314) 366-4875

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St. Louis Bariatric Surgeon Has Performed Over 2,000 Weight Loss Procedures - Yahoo Finance

At least half the plan worked.

A reputed Lucchese crime-family soldier who allegedly plotted to slim down to escape through a Brooklyn jail window has dropped so much weight that a longtime crony failed to recognize him in federal court Friday.

Christopher Londonio whose formerly 350-pound frame graced The Posts Veal Shank Redemption front page Friday was unidentifiable to Lucchese turncoat Joseph Foti in court in White Plains, Westchester County, despite the witness knowing the defendant for years.

Foti first said on the stand that he couldnt point to Londonio in the courtroom because he didnt see him. Then when Londonios lawyer, John Meringolo, said his client was there beside him at the table, a seemingly genuinely stunned Foti let out a surprised whistle.

You lost a lot of weight, Foti muttered to Londonio.

Meringolo later told The Post that his client lost about 200 pounds after his alleged escape attempt because he was thrown into solitary confinement for 19 months over the doomed plot.

The lawyer said the terrible conditions in solitary contributed to his clients drastic weight loss. He declined to elaborate.

The feds have said Londonio was plotting to escape Brooklyns Metropolitan Detention Center while awaiting trial by stockpiling dental floss and bedsheets to help break out and planning to lose enough weight so he could shimmy out the eighth-floor window when he finally did and climb to the parking lot below.

The scheme also involved the help of his parents, his estranged wife, a bookie and a priest, according to a newly unsealed FBI report on the 2017 incident.

Jurors seated the case were grilled Friday over whether they saw The Posts front page.

Both federal prosecutors as well as lawyers for the once-sizeable suspect and his cronies, Matthew Madonna, Terrence Caldwell and Steven Crea, agreed the jurors should be individually questioned on whether they saw the report.

No panelist said he or she had seen the front page.

Foti testified Friday that Londonio admitted to him that he drove a triggerman to the scene of the 2013 execution-style slaying of Purple Gang leader Michael Meldish.

Prosecutors claim that Madonna, the street boss at the time, ordered the hit after Meldish refused to pay back a $100,000 loan and told Madonna to fk off when he called to collect.

The four men are on trial for racketeering conspiracy and other various charges, including Meldishs murder.

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'Veal Shank Redemption mobster' did lose the weight -- just not as planned - New York Post

Kevin Gates reasons for losing weight is not what you might think it is.

The 2 Phones rapper recently sat down and went into detail about the honest and sobering reason that kick-started his weight loss journey. Like most folks who went through a weight loss transformation, his motivation was a bit embarrassing, yet humorous at the same time. Kevin Gates, who is known for his grimy rap style and his real-life lyrics, released his highly anticipated sophomore album Im Him on September 27th, 2019, and it debuted at number four on the Billboard 200.

Gates is also currently on a tour of the same name. Fans can thankfully see a slim and trim Gates during the touring leg as the rapper has lost a tremendous amount of weight. During a video for Mens Health, he responded to questions from fans and divulged what prompted him to undergo his weight loss journey.

The Baton Rouge rapper attributed the weight loss to him following a complete health regimen that included rigorous dieting and 2 a.m. weight training. He went on to say, One word, commitment. But what really did it for me, I had my shirt off and I was holding my partners baby and his baby tried to suck my breast.

He elaborated on the unusual experience stating, I just was like, I am too f**king fat. Im a fat slob, I need to lose weight. That was the most embarrassing sh*t. I mean, sh*t, even though Im a big gorilla, I still got feelings too! Man, that sh*t hurt my f**king feelings.

Kevin Gates then details his hard work in the gym and explained how one very rip guy with the V-shaped chest inspired him to start lifting weights. The rapper has not been shy about showing off his hot new bod and can be seen showcasing it in his recent music videos and all over Instagram.

Gates shows no signs of slowing down, and we commend him on his new healthy lifestyle.

Read this article:
Kevin Gates Reveals Secret To His Massive Weight Loss, It Will Surprise You - Urban Islandz

Are you thinking about making healthy changes to your diet and fitness activity in the coming months? Consider applying for Strive to Thrive hosted by Richland Source and OhioHealth.

The goal of the competition is to create change in the community. The 2019 OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital Community Health Needs Assessment identified that 42 percent of adults are at risk for obesity and 31 percent are at risk for being overweight. Studies show that being obese or overweight increases an individuals risk for chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.

We want to help individuals take the steps to create change in their own lives, said Emily Freeman, supervisor, of OhioHealth Ontario Health and Fitness Center. We want to meet them where they are in their wellness journey and provide the support they need through the process to a healthier life.

Contestants will receive nutritional and fitness education in order to make changes that will improve their overall health. On a weekly basis, contestants will record their workouts, hours of sleep and food intake.

Starting January 6, 2020 - 9 local Strive to Thrive contestants will embark on a 3-month fitness journey.

You can fill out an application to become a contestant until Nov. 8.

Apply to be a Strive to Thrive contestant!

Group fitness competitions will take place monthly at OhioHealth Ontario Health & Fitness Center (1750 W. 4th Street) along with educational seminars and workouts open to the public. Community members will be encouraged to follow the competition at richlandsource.com/thriveand access blogs about healthy lifestyle changes written by OhioHealth trainers.

Along with complimentary personal training sessions, contestants will receive a FitBit and use of OhioHealth training facilities. An overall winner will be named based on his/her body composition analysis using OhioHealth's InBody 230.

Contestants will not be cut from the competition, rather they will receive continued support and accountability on their health journeys. The winner will receive a year-long membership to the OhioHealth Health and Fitness Center.

If you are ready to receive accountability for making lasting lifestyle changes, consider applying for Strive to Thrive. Applications are due by Nov. 8 at 11:59 p.m. If you are excited about supporting the contestants, reading their stories and striving to thrive in your own life - stay tuned! There will be much more to come.

Our content is free and always will be - but we rely on your support to sustain it.

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Applications open for Strive to Thrive community weight loss challenge - Richland Source

Kevin Gates has never been in better shapephysically, mentally, spiritually. Still, for his sophomore album, Im Him, he wants to take a step back to when he was anything but healthyphysically, mentally, spiritually.

Sometimes its painful to relive the past. But sometimes you have to relive the past in order to heal from it, Gates says to open the music video for Walls Talking, which serves as a visualization for Gates battle with mental health. (To further encourage conversation around these issues, Gates has partnered with Save.org, a resource for suicide prevention.)

The American rapper saw a meteoric rise after the release of his first album, Islah, in 2016, which took Gates from mixtape rapper to Billboard Hot 100 artist. Gates has also achieved quite the physical transformation, dropping from 310 pounds to 215 over the last couple years. Im not gonna say Im a healthy man, but I try to be healthy, Gates tells Mens Health.

"Healthy" for Gates means personal improvement and change (Isnt the goal to get better in life?). In a new Mens Health series, Gates faces internet lovers and haters of his own changes. Heres what he had to say about the important questions

"Did you see it!? I aint gonna lie, sometimes I be walking by the mirror and be like: what the fuck? Double take. Because I was 310 pounds and now Im like 215-220. Now if I eat too much, I feel fat and want to just go work out. . . . When I first saw myself losing a little weight, my dream was to never wear a shirt anywhere. I didnt want to keep hiding, because it was going to make me stop working. So I wanted to take my shirt off. I want a woman to just see me and just fall on the ground and just die."

"I wanted to be slim and trim like a bicycle rim. Then, once I lost that weight I saw this guy come into the gym. His stomach had that V. I was like: I want that V, Im gonna get that V. I got that V now."

One word: commitment. But what really did it for me. I had my shirt off and I was holding my partners baby, and his baby tried to suck my breast. The baby kept going like this [*mimes head tilting, mouth open*]. You know how babies open their mouth and do that? And I was just like: I am too fucking fat. Im a fat slob. I need to lose weight. That was the most embarrassing shit. Im a big gorilla, but I got feelings too. That shit hurt my fucking feelings.

"Because. Hair. Holds. Dirt. Im a big landscaper, so Im always keeping the hedges trimmed. And I believe in aerodynamics. Whenever Im engaged in charity work, I dont want it to be sweat resistant. I dont like astroturf. Im gonna try and keep it PG-13: I keep it real slick so the charges dont stick."

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Kevin Gates vs The Internet - 100 Pound Weight Loss Transformation - menshealth.com

Kevin Gates is getting candid about his weight loss.

While answering fans questions during a video for Mens Health, the Baton Rouge MC opened up about his journey to becoming slim and trim. In response to a fan, he revealed the embarrassing story that inspired him to hit the gym and shed the pounds.

One wordcommitment, said Gates. But what really did it for me, I had my shirt off and I was holding my partners baby and his baby tried to suck my breast.

He continued, I just was like, I am too fucking fat. Im a fat slob, I need to lose weight. That was the most embarrassing shit. I mean, shit, even though Im a big gorilla, I still got feelings too! Man, that shit hurt my fucking feelings. I said, I gotta lose some weight!'

The 33-year-old rapper has been showing off his fit physique on Instagram and in his music videos.

I wanted to be slim and trim like a bicycle rim, he added. Then once I lost that weight, I saw this guy come in the gym, seeing a guys stomach with the V. He didnt have the pec, but he had that V. I was like, I want that V. I got that V now.

Gates is fresh off the release of his sophomore album Im Him, which debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200.

Visit link:
Kevin Gates Reveals Embarrassing Reason Behind Weight Loss - Rap-Up.com

David Becker - Getty Images The Voice coach and talk show host talks about how she slimmed down, and why it was all about boosting her health, not her looks. And she still eats real food!

One reason we all love Kelly Clarksonbesides, ya know, that fabulous voice: her grace and honesty in the face of unending discussions (including body-shaming comments) about her weight. The Voice coach and host of a new talk show, Clarkson promotes body positivity and always comes across as comfortable in her own skin, and she has talked openly about her 37-pound weight loss. So, how did she do it?

No, she told Extra in a red carpet interviewI literally havent worked out at all! Clarkson said, I think people think Im working out and Im like, Dont think Im going to come play some sport! In fact, she said on Twitter that she hates working out. Im sweaty, red, and not any thinner. people say its good for your heart.... but people also say red wine is good for your heart. I mean, Im just stating facts here people. Who am I to ignore science?!

She credits a book, The Plant Paradox by Steven R. Gundry, M.D. It's basically about how we cook our food, non-GMO, no pesticides, eating really organic," she said. Clarkson read the book for medical reasons, she told Extra: I did it for this autoimmune disease that I had and I had a thyroid issue, and now all my levels are back up. Im not on medicine anymore because of this book. It wasnt about the weight, Clarkson told Today: For me it was that I'm not on my medicine anymore."

Rumors flew around earlier this year about how she actually slimmed down. But Clarkson smacked down the false claims Twitter: Other fake news thats going around about me is that Ive been taking weird pills 4 weight loss or doing weird fad diets. All of this is not true. I aint got time 4 all that. I eat the same stuff I always have. Its all just made w/different flours/sugars/ingredients.

Its the same stuff you eatI just use different ingredients, she told Hoda Kotb on Today. Even like fried chickenI use cassava flour, tapioca, or almond flour, and you use non-hormone chicken.and honestly, Im going to be real with you: Its really expensive to do.

From the time she first appeared on American Idol people have been focused on her weight, but over the years she seems to have figured out how to brush it off. "Too skinny, too fat, too blondeso much blah, she told the Daily Mail in 2017. This is who I am and I'm happy. Happy looks different on everyone."

That same year, Clarkson told Redbook: If you gauge your life on what other people think, youre going to be in a constant state of panic trying to please everyone. People should just concentrate on their own lives and their own health and their own happiness, and whatever that looks like for you, be happy with it."

Slideshow: These 40 fit celebrities over 40 will inspire you to hit the gym (Provided by Prevention)

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Kelly Clarkson Talks About Her Weight LossAnd Why It's All About Her Health - msnNOW

A new man! Joe Giudice looks almost unrecognizable after he was released from ICE custody and sent on his way to Italy to await the verdict on his deportation appeal. Its clear that during his prison stay, the 47-year-old was hitting the gym and getting in shape.

Now that Joe is able to roam free overseas, daughter Gia Giudice has been sharing tons of pics of her slimmed-down dad. The 18-year-old posted a photo of Joe and his brother, Pete, on the streets of Italy to Instagram with the caption So happy [youre] together right now enjoy, see you in a few weeks daddy. Fans couldnt help but praise Joe in the comments for his epic weight loss transformation.

He looks so good, oh my gosh! Cant wait for you all to reunited, wrote one user while another echoed, He looks sooo healthy and happy. A third person chimed in, writing, Looks like a new man.

One day before Gia posted a rare full-body photo of her dad, she gave us a taste of his new look in a FaceTime screengrab. In just the headshot, fans could see that he had slimmed down a ton and was in high spirits. One of the happiest moments of my life, Gia captioned the pic. Love you so much daddy, so happy youre free. See you so soon, she added.

In Touch previously reported that Joe was sentenced to 41 months in prison for mail, wire and bankruptcy fraud. Since Joe is not an American citizen, he is eligible to be deported back to his home country of Italy after completing his sentence. Joe was transferred to ICE custody after he was released from prison back in March. He has remained in custody ever since and was even denied bond last month.

Although Joe is not allowed to await his verdict back in New Jersey, he was granted release from ICE custody as long as he returned to Italy. On Friday, October 11, Joe boarded a plane back to his home country. Scroll through the gallery below and check out Joes epic weight loss transformation.

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Joe Giudice Weight Loss Transformation See the Pics Here! - inTouch Weekly

Published: November, 2019

Even if obesity runs in your family, certain activities may help you lose the weight and keep it off, according to a study published online Aug. 1, 2019, by PLOS Genetics.

Researchers recruited more than 18,000 adults ages 30 to 70 and examined their individual genes and exercise routines. Genetic profiles were created from blood samples that looked for certain gene variants related to obesity. Exercise was defined as at least 30 minutes of activity performed three times a week.

Most physical activity can help people lose weight, but the researchers found that the best activities for maintaining a healthy weight for those with a genetic link to obesity were, in order, jogging, mountain climbing, walking, power walking, dancing, and long yoga sessions.

The reason may be that these activities can involve higher-intensity movement and thus can burn more calories, suggested the researchers. They also may be more enjoyable than traditional gym workouts, so people are more likely to stick with them.

The results suggest genetic obesity can be countered, and that adopting enjoyable higher-intensity exercise may help people who struggle with weight loss and management.

Disclaimer:As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

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Six activities can help obese people lose weight and keep it off - Harvard Health