Limiting the Fluids in Obesity.—Thus it is seen that when the intake of fluids is limited, the body will call upon that surplus which is stored in every nerve, tissue, and fluid throughout the entire organism to assist in the necessary work of the organs, thus reducing the body weight just that much.

Exercise.—The athlete who is overweight, due to adipose tissue, increases his exercise at times, even adding to the weight of his clothing, causing an increased energy output, profuse perspiration, etc., all of which causes the body to use its surplus fuel in the form of the stored fat. Exercise does not break down a muscle, it builds it up. Thus many individuals who increase the strenuousness of their exercise complain that their weight is increased even when they observe a noticeable improvement in their general feelings and appearance.

The Appetite.—The great trouble with most women who undertake an obesity cure which calls for an increased amount of energy is that they will develop an increased appetite thereby which they appease with food instead of forcing the body to use the store in hand, thus entirely doing away with any good the treatment might have accomplished. No amount of exercise without a proper regulation of the diet will prove satisfactory as far as the reduction of fat is concerned. The following methods recommended by Banting, Oertel, and Ebstein are included here.

OBESITY DIETS AND CURES

Banting Method.—This method is said to be unsuited to those with weak digestions. Following its use such individuals have been known to develop renal colic or gallstones; constipation may be present and the entire system may become so deranged as to render the patient liable to disease.[158]

Banting Diet for Obesity.—Breakfast at 9 A.M., consisting of 5-6 ounces of animal food, meat or boiled fish (except pork or veal), 1 small biscuit or 1 ounce dry toast. Total solids, 5-6 ounces. Coffee or tea (without milk or sugar), 9 ounces.

2 P.M.—Dinner: Fish or meat (salmon, eels, herring, pork, and veal excepted), poultry or game; any vegetable except potatoes, parsnips, carrots, turnips, or beet roots; dry toast, 1 ounce; fruit cooked and unsweetened; good claret, sherry, or Madeira, 10 ounces. Total solids, 10-12 ounces.

6 P.M.—Tea: 2-3 ounces cooked fruit; 1-2 ounces rusks; 2-4 ounces solids; 9 ounces tea, without milk or sugar.

7 P.M.—Supper: Meat or fish as at dinner; claret or sherry and water, 7 ounces.

Total daily solids, 21-27 ounces.