from American Journal of Physiology
It is well-known that exercise is a key to weight loss, but Israeli researchers have introduced another component to the obesity problem. They call it “active inactivity”. In essence, being stretched out in front of the TV actually encourages the body to create new fat cells. Professor Amit Gefen, of Tel Aviv University, says precursors to fat cells turn into to fat cells faster and produce even more fat when subjected to prolonged periods of the kind of weight we put on our body tissues when we sit or lie down. The study, appearing in the American Journal of Physiology—Cell Physiology, says the mechanical force placed on a particular area of the body could be encouraging fat tissue to expand, even in people with a healthy diet. Yet another reason to remain active.