Most overweight Americans say they exercise to lose weight

(Atlanta-AP) -- Just over half of American adults are overweight, and about half of those are trying to lose the extra pounds -- most of them by exercising.<br><br>But a national survey says they're

Thursday, April 20th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Atlanta-AP) -- Just over half of American adults are overweight, and about half of those are trying to lose the extra pounds -- most of them by exercising.

But a national survey says they're not working out long enough or frequently enough.

The 1998 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found 54 percent of us admit being in the overweight category --
anywhere from one to 30 pounds over the target weight for your body size.

Only 28 percent of those trying to lose weight say they exercise 30 minutes a-day at least five days a-week -- the minimum government recommendation.

The average overweight person trying to lose weight exercised three days a week -- generally by walking.

Experts say they're encouraged that people are getting physical, but say they need to move up to a near-daily regimen to take off
those unwanted pounds.