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Could going to the gym make you fat?

Gym-goers may find they PUT ON weight despite all the exercise, because they reward themselves with edible treats when they're finished

If you're starting a new gym regime, be warned. You might find that your weight actually creeps up despite the extra exercise, as you're more likely to indulge in big meals and treats to reward yourself for working out.

A new survey has found that more than a quarter of us notice weight gain when we start a new gym regime and that many gym users completely counteract their good work in the gym by what they eat afterwards, believing that as they've worked out they can eat what they like.


The research by Forza Supplements found that almost 40 per cent of gym goers only burn around 300 calories per session, and the average time spent working out during the week is between 40 minutes and an hour split over three sessions.

As well as those who put on weight, half of the regular exercisers said their weight had stayed the same, with only another quarter saying that they had actually managed to lose pounds.

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More than a third of the gym-goers polled gave themselves a 'treat' after going to the gym - most typically a chocolate bar such as a Kit Kat  (233 calories for a four finger bar), a glass of wine (190 calories) or a pint of lager (230 calories).

Forza Supplements managing director Lee Smith said the survey showed many dieters struggled to lose weight despite eating well and exercising.



"Battling the bulge is the toughest thing many of us do," Smith said. "Lots of people go the gym because they know they have no control over their eating habits.

"They figure, 'I am going to pig out anyway so I may well do my best to limit the damage.'"

That's certainly Luisa Zissman's attitude. The Apprentice star asked: "Who hasn't had a guilt inspired exercise session?

"We all do it - work out furiously in the gym to get 'brownie points' ahead of a night on the town.

"You know you are going to consume a stack of calories by boozing and drinking - so why not burn off a load beforehand."

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The survey also found that many gym users found exercise upped their appetite, and few of us realise how much it actually takes to lose weight. To lose 1kg of body fat, you need to burn about 8,000  - that's 80 miles of  running.