In vs. Out-- Does Diet or Exercise Make a Bigger Difference?

Are you frustrated with the amount of weight you have (or haven't) lost so far? Losing weight can feel complicated & confusing at times.

We've already talked about the basics of weight loss & maintenance-- including making healthy food choices, right sizing our portions, & being physically active. Some studies have indicated that calorie reduction (either through portions, choices, or both) may help increase weight loss more than just exercise alone.

Please remember:
- We can easily undo a good workout with our food choices. For example, a 200lb person might burn about 250 - 275 calories in an hour of walking (2.0mph) or bowling. However, a "reward" of a small order of fries or a large sugary drink can easily wipe out their hard work in far less time!
- Regular physical activity is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. It burns calories, manages stress, improves mood, leads to better sleep, & reduces our risk of or helps treat many chronic health conditions. All of these factors can impact weight loss or maintenance efforts.
- Most people who successfully maintain significant weight loss use a combination approach (e.g., almost all National Weight Control Registry participants modified food intake & remain physically active).
- Severe calorie restriction or excessive exercise can be counterproductive.

For more info, check out:
- WebMD's The Truth About Exercise & Your Weight
- Harvard School of Public Health's Exercise & Weight
- Mayo Clinic's Which is Better for Weight Loss?
Or, review our past posts about related topics.