Spend all day sitting in front of a computer? Although that generally isn't a healthy way to spend hours on end, many of us just can't avoid it. But, surprisingly, there is a small upside: the internet, sitting right in front of you, is a powerful tool for weight loss.

In a study that compared internet-based exercise programs against more traditional printed-on-paper plans the internet programs finished right up there in terms of effectiveness and motivational power. Both groups kept activity logs and filled out regular questionnaires to keep them on track, which I think may have been the biggest help, but it is nice to know that online programs can be successful. For many people the internet is just so much more convenient these days than anything else.

So, depending on your situation, you might want to try squeezing in just a little websurfing as long as you're going to be stuck in front of that computer anyway. It might do your body good!