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.

ItΓÇÖs 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). ThereΓÇÖs 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:

ΓÇ£Number one is be aware. Perhaps you donΓÇÖt need that extra treat, that extra helping or that extra drink while youΓÇÖre on vacation.ΓÇ¥

ΓÇ£Number two is plan ahead. Try and maintain good activity throughout the day.ΓÇ¥

ΓÇ£Number three, DonΓÇÖt abandon your healthy habits while on vacation or when you get back.ΓÇ¥

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

So the next time youΓÇÖre confronted with a lavish all-you-can-eat ship or hotel buffet, remember the long-term consequences, and donΓÇÖt come home with a souvenir youΓÇÖd rather not have.

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