From Andrèe Goodson, Norwich, UK
After my regular 30-minute stumble around the local cemetery, I read with interest that I can't just burn off extra calories (19 January, p 30). Admittedly, I exercise for the endorphin kick and because it makes me laugh. But when I was gardening for 4 to 12 hours a day, I could eat and drink whatever I wanted without much weight variation. I was slim and strong, although generally gained 3 kilograms over the winter months.
Now I dance, do yoga, run and walk almost everywhere – I haven't had a car for more than 20 years, nor a TV. I am neither strong nor slim. I gained weight in the year recuperating after an operation and have been unable to shift it. The consensus seems to be that it is my age – I'm now over 60 – although I recall disputes over this. Is this the case?
