Dear Doc

Dear Frustrated:

Reduced fat and fat-free foods are not necessarily low in calories. When fat is taken out of a product, sugar and salt content are likely to increase. The addition of sugar adds calories.

Read food labels when purchasing "fat-free" or "reduced fat" products-compare them to the regular products. Check calorie counts and serving sizes.

Fat is essential in our diets. We need fat to protect vital organs, and to metabolize fat soluble vitamins. It's actually the extra calories that may cause weight gain.

Keys to a sensible weight loss plan include moderating calorie intake, increasing physical activity and practicing behavior modification.

Engage in exercise at least three to four times per week for thirty minutes at a time. Some tips include eating more slowly, don't eat while watching TV and avoid the "good food/bad food" scenario.

"Doc"

Dear Doc:
You know how you often see that, for example, 30 min on a stairmaster burns a certain number of calories. Well, I was wondering if there are any figures for sex.
Curious

Dear Curious,

There is really no set answer to your question because it depends on a variety of factors, such as duration, intensity, effort, frequency and position probably.

But because you're asking for an exact number, according to Leslee Welch's A Handbook for the Carnally Curious, 100 calories are burned during intercourse.

However, how this specific number was determined is probably even a better question. Bottomline, if you're interested in burning calories, don't give up the stairmaster!

"Doc"

Responses to health questions are to provide readers with basic health information. This column is not intended to replace advice from your personal physician. If your condition persists or symptoms worsen, make an appointment either at University Health Services or with your personal health care provider.