I just ran across an interesting Q&A over on the Mayo Clinic website. In it, they tackled the issue of whether those that are trying to lose weight should focus on consuming fewer calories or exercising more.
As you’re likely aware, weight loss happens when you create a caloric deficit. This can be achieved by consuming fewer calories, burning more calories, or both. The bigger your caloric deficit, the faster you’ll lose weight.
If you want to lose a pound of fat, you’ll need to burn 3500 more calories than you consume. So… If you’re just going to do one or the other, should you focus on eating smarter or exercising more?
According to Mayo Clinic article:
Consuming fewer calories through dietary changes seems to promote weight loss more effectively than does exercise and physical activity. But physical activity is also important in weight control.
This isn’t terribly surprising, as it takes a lot of exercise to burn off junk food. They do, however, go on to argue that exercise plus caloric restriction can give you an edge, as exercise helps you burn off even more calories.
Not surprisingly, studies have also shown that those who get regular exercise are the most likely to maintain their weight loss over time.
Personally, I’m a big fan of doing both, as exercise offers many health benefits in addition to weight loss (or weight control). I must admit, however, that I have an easier time maintaining discipline when it comes to exercising than I do when it comes to eating right.
Source: MayoClinic.com
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I do both as well although I have heard many folks say eat to lose weight, exercise to get fit.