Stopping Vacation Weight Gain

By Jane Farrell

What many people have long suspected turns out to be right: Yes, you do gain weight on vacation.

It’s true that what the average person gains might seem like a negligible amount. (According to a study from the University of Georgia, the exact number is 0.7 of a pound). There’s a catch, though: Donald Hensrud, M.D., of the Healthy Living Program at the Mayo Clinic, says that the weight stays on.

In an interview with the Mayo News Network, Hensrud offered some tips on managing leisure-time eating:

“Number one is be aware. Perhaps you don’t need that extra treat, that extra helping or that extra drink while you’re on vacation.”

“Number two is plan ahead. Try and maintain good activity throughout the day.”

“Number three, Don’t abandon your healthy habits while on vacation or when you get back.”

Hensrud also emphasizes that keeping weight off helps avoid a number of obesity-related ailments like heart disease and diabetes.

So the next time you’re confronted with a lavish all-you-can-eat ship or hotel buffet, remember the long-term consequences, and don’t come home with a souvenir you’d rather not have.

For more information on health issues, visit www.mayoclinic.org.