Obesity causes distance perception to increase: study
POSTED 15 Feb 2016 . BY Jak Phillips
Being overweight has been shown to alter perceptions of both distance and gradient Credit: Shutterstock.com / Cylonphoto
Scientists have shed new light on the challenges facing exercise professionals in getting the population moving, after new research showed that obesity causes people to see distances as farther than they actually are.
The findings from the Colorado State University study paint the picture of a ‘vicious circle’ which means exercise appears more challenging as weight increases. Tests showed that a a 330lb person saw a 25m distance as 30m, while a 130lb person saw that same distance as 15m. The effect also applies to hill gradients, meaning heavier people will be more inclined to choose an elevator over climbing the stairs.
“You’re not seeing the world as it is, you’re seeing the world in terms of your ability to act,” said Dr Jessica Witt, psychologist at Colorado State University, at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, in Washington DC.
“We think that these perceptual biases can create a vicious circle for people with obesity. It is conscious perception of the world. But it’s not based on conscious perception of the body or feelings of laziness.”
The phenomenon is thought to stem from a survival mechanism in early humans designed to help quickly evaluate our ability to tackle testing situations. However, the reflex appears to be counter-productive in persuading overweight people to be more active.
To overcome this, researchers suggested setting easier targets for obese people at the beginning of exercise regimes to avoid early discouragement. Use of telescopic glasses to change perceptions of distance was also mooted.
It’s been five years since the fitness industry reopened after the last lockdown – long enough
to look back on the impact the pandemic had on the sector and what might come next.
Wattbike has announced a new integration with EGYM, which enables the bikes to contribute to
the Cardio BioAge score of individuals via a VO2 max result.
Les Mills has launched a reformer Pilates workout. The 45-minute workout blends traditional
reformer movements and more contemporary exercises, choreographed to music.
Panatta brought together four of the most influential figures in bodybuilding history on the
stage of RiminiWellness 2026: Phil Heath, Lee Haney, Ronnie Coleman and Hany Rambod. [more...]
Obesity causes distance perception to increase: study
POSTED 15 Feb 2016 . BY Jak Phillips
Being overweight has been shown to alter perceptions of both distance and gradient Credit: Shutterstock.com / Cylonphoto
Scientists have shed new light on the challenges facing exercise professionals in getting the population moving, after new research showed that obesity causes people to see distances as farther than they actually are.
The findings from the Colorado State University study paint the picture of a ‘vicious circle’ which means exercise appears more challenging as weight increases. Tests showed that a a 330lb person saw a 25m distance as 30m, while a 130lb person saw that same distance as 15m. The effect also applies to hill gradients, meaning heavier people will be more inclined to choose an elevator over climbing the stairs.
“You’re not seeing the world as it is, you’re seeing the world in terms of your ability to act,” said Dr Jessica Witt, psychologist at Colorado State University, at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, in Washington DC.
“We think that these perceptual biases can create a vicious circle for people with obesity. It is conscious perception of the world. But it’s not based on conscious perception of the body or feelings of laziness.”
The phenomenon is thought to stem from a survival mechanism in early humans designed to help quickly evaluate our ability to tackle testing situations. However, the reflex appears to be counter-productive in persuading overweight people to be more active.
To overcome this, researchers suggested setting easier targets for obese people at the beginning of exercise regimes to avoid early discouragement. Use of telescopic glasses to change perceptions of distance was also mooted.
It’s been five years since the fitness industry reopened after the last lockdown – long enough
to look back on the impact the pandemic had on the sector and what might come next.
Wattbike has announced a new integration with EGYM, which enables the bikes to contribute to
the Cardio BioAge score of individuals via a VO2 max result.
Les Mills has launched a reformer Pilates workout. The 45-minute workout blends traditional
reformer movements and more contemporary exercises, choreographed to music.
According to research which tracked more than 147,000 people for 30 years, 90-120 minutes
of strength training a week may deliver some of the biggest long-term health rewards.
Panatta brought together four of the most influential figures in bodybuilding history on the
stage of RiminiWellness 2026: Phil Heath, Lee Haney, Ronnie Coleman and Hany Rambod. [more...]
