Exercise
Most obese patients lead sedentary lives and the full extent to which urban and industrial life restricts activity is only now being realized. There is little doubt that the health of most obese people would be improved by exercise, e.g. walking, swimming, gardening, provided it does not exceed their cardiovascular capacity.

All obese patients, whose occupation is sedentary, should be advised to walk for at least an hour a day, always provided they are fit to do so. Regular daily exercise is much more valuable than episodes of activity at the weekends.

Caloric drinks with vitamin and mineral supplements being allowed, has been recommended for obese patients who have failed to respond to orthodox anti obesity treatments.

Although the initial loss of weight may be marked the long term results arc no more satisfactory than other systems since many patients regain most of the weight lost when the strict regime is discontinued.

However, it may be of value for selected patients, particularly as a demonstration of what can be achieved with sufficient discipline. Such a regime is clearly contraindicated for older patients, especially if they have cardiovascular complications.