Get moving.

Q I'm borderline obese and know I should exercise more. But I can't seem to stick with it. Can you help me?

A Two suggestions. First, think of f exercise as a medicine. Daily exercise changes the chemicals in the body just as effectively as any pill. It's inexpensive, carries tolerable and even beneficial side effects, and definitely makes one look and feel better while the weight comes off.

Besides burning fat, exercise can also lower blood pressure. It's a great, natural painkiller, decreases cholesterol, and helps ward off obesity and obesity-related problems such as sleep apnea. It's one of the cornerstones in the treatment of diabetes.

Second, choose an activity you actually enjoy. In a recent, nonscientific poll, here's how Americans say they exercised: walking (my favorite) (35 percent); lifting weights (32 percent); biking (30 percent); running (22 percent); aerobics (22 percent); swimming (21 percent). Then there's always these fun activities: playing sports (18 percent); hiking (18 percent); golfing (8 percent); and stretching (7 percent).

Remember, the simple goal of exercise is to get your heart rate up for a sustained period of time. So get up, get out, and get moving!