Holiday exercise keeps blood pressure in check

More research out this year seems to suggest that exercise won’t help you keep off the holiday pounds, but it can help you keep other health indicators in check.

A study from Texas Tech University collected data before American Thanksgiving and again in the new year for 148 male and female participants between the ages of 18 and 65 to see the effects the holidays have on health. The study was published in Nature.

Not surprisingly, the group gained weight. They gained an average of 0.78kg, or about 1.7lbs. Regular exercise didn’t seem to be a good indicator of weight gain, but those that did exercise regularly thought the holidays fared better in other regards. They had healthier blood pressure readings and lower increases in body fat percentage. They also saw the lowest increases in body weight.

Those were were already obese or overweight also had the hardest time restricting blood pressure increases and weight gain during the holidays. People who were heavier fared worse after the study than fit participants in all the health indicators.

Although the parameters were different and the population wasn’t as restricted, the results of the study seem to be in line with a more recent study about fit, young males who were instructed to overeat. They still gained weight, but those who exercised has better blood sugar control.