The current emphasis is on an increase in the activities of daily living and variety in the activities undertaken. Where possible, one should choose an active alternative such as walking up stairs, walking to work and getting up to change television channels. This increased activity sums into increased daily energy expenditure. It is not necessary to attain cardiovascular fitness to lose weight. In general, men respond better than women to an exercise program, and this may be due in part to a familiarity with exercise or training.