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You will probably get very minimal, if any, muscle mass increase by merely walking with weights.  If you sprinted uphill repeatedly with weights on, you'd get some muscle growth, but anything aerobic (or in this case, most likely sub-aerobic) is unlikely to stress the muscles enough to generate much growth. Adding weights will allow you to get a more intense workout at the same speed, which means you'll burn more calories and get your heart going more without having to endure the joint stress that jogging would bring.  This would allow you to shorten your walk time, or get more workout in the same time.  If you've been walking for 18 months, you're probably very well adapted to this stress (especially given all the weight you've lost), so adding weights is still a good idea if you aren't interested in changing your activity.

I like the vest, because it allows me to use my body's natural balance system and anything over 10lbs. is going to work the upper body some too (vest is borne partially by shoulders). I think you burn more calories with weights, and you certainly feel a lot lighter next time you train with them, but if you put anything on the outer extremeties, you have to watch for the "whip" effect which can pull on joints unnaturally. Your body will tell you. If there's any pain, you need to change something.

Anything repetitive is going to eventually build up a tolerance and you'll get less and less benefit. It's good to rotate with a variety of exercise types - don't let your body anticipate what you are going to do next.

Best Wishes,

Dave

Paul, add some pushups (start vertical against the wall if you need to) and some squats or deep knee bends at the end.  This will get your largest muscles into the action without having to change your routine.  I would do the pushups part before the walk (my laziness kicks in otherwise and I skip it at the end).  The knee bends really help me at the end.  They help me feel stronger throughout the day.  Hope this helps, Greg

I'm not sure how much credibility this "10 minute miracle routine" has, but from it you can see the direction that trainers are going these days:

http://ezinearticles.com/?How-To-Lose-Belly-Fat-With-A-10-Mi nute-Workout&id=95932

It is conceiveable that "steady-state" cardio was introduced because folks were simply not exercising at all. For years, I scratched my head wondering why ex-sportsment and coaches were ignoring aerobic exercise.

Nowadays, it's gone to anaerobic combined with how much of your body you can throw around in a few motions.

Dave

Dave