How your diet beats exercise?

A number of weight loss exercises and crash diets are very popular today, as approximately 68.8% of adults are obese in the United States. However, it is not just America that has obesity as one of its most common health concerns, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that the world has witnessed "two-fold increase" in obesity since 1980.

Weight loss exercises and diet plans have become the norm for those who want to slim down few inches or want to lose some pounds. Many people firmly believe that exercise is more important to lose weight than diet and one need to shed more calories than what they consume. And which is why many people like the idea of focussing on the weight loss exercises than the diet plans.

As per a published research at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Centre, Seattle, obese women were studied across twelve months to determine the best way to lose weight; diet or exercise? The research team found that the obese women who were on diet had lost significant amount of weight and inflammatory protein levels in the body compared to those who were in exercise-only routine.

Many lifestyle experts like Bob Harper from "The Biggest Loser" (NBC) believe firmly in the importance of the diet plans in weight loss over exercises. However, nobody is saying exercise for weight loss is ineffective, but focussing on exercise may prove to be insufficient for losing pounds. Dr. Robert Lustig, Paediatric Endocrinologist, UCSF Children's Hospital, Oakland, opines that exercise is good for overall health of an individual while diet plans are better for weight loss.

In recent years, thanks to programs like Michelle Obama's- Let's move, America has witnessed a rise in active people, but unfortunately the rise in active people has not reduced the numbers of obesity cases in the country. A meta-analysis of the obesity studies by Desiree C Wilks et al has confirmed the same notion as active children does not mean he/she is lean or not prone to obesity.

However, many intervention types of research like the one conducted by Cook CM et al on physical activity and weight control- shows that an active person can maintain his/her weight and is less likely to gain pounds

The role of exercise in weight loss

A study led by D.M Thomas et al, on balance energy analyses showed that active people with active exercise routines had increased intake of calories. Exercise increases the appetite as the calories burned by the body will be replaced by the calorie consumption.

Exercise will be beneficial for overall health, but one cannot rely on weight loss exercises solely for long-term weight loss.

Weight loss through exercise results in slow metabolism which can be not helpful to lose weight in the long run.

As per Dr. Wayne Smith, Co-Director, Medical Weight Management Program, San Jose, majority of the people who try exercising to shed pounds may not be fit enough for intense fitness routines that can result in considerable weight loss.

Fitness trainers suggest exercise for weight gain over weight loss as the muscles are heavier than fat weight loss may not be significant enough to lose some pounds.

However, customized diet plans coupled with suitable exercise routine can actually work well for losing few pounds.

Exercise will be more effective to combat the side effects of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, depression and neurological disorders etc.

Diet plans for weight loss

While exercise can slow the rate of metabolism in the body, a customized, nutritious diet can provide the much-needed rest to the metabolism.

Counting calories are extremely important for weight loss as a banana with 150 calories is healthier than a bag of potato crackers that also contains 150 calories.

Restricted diet that is loaded with necessary nutrition can actually help the overall wellness of an individual. It can also help people to keep away from chronic illnesses and diseases.

Those who exercise and drink Gatorade for energy seem to lose less weight because Gatorade is a high-calorie drink. Hence, what we eat is very crucial to losing excess weight.

Another benefit of a restricted diet that has scientific backing is the effect on aging process of the body. The dietary intervention has shown to slow the process of aging and it can also protect one from cancer and other disorders.

Customized diet plans are much cheaper and easier to follow than just an intense work out session. One can keep moderate exercise routine and an effective diet to achieve weight loss goals.

The better way to lose weightWhile eating right and dieting has many benefits, people can combine weight loss exercises like Aerobics, squats, push-ups etc. with suitable diet plans such as high protein/low carb diet, fruit diet and some safe weight loss supplements for better results. Following a fad or crash diet can be dangerous though there are some instant results when it comes to weight loss. Moreover crash diets are extremely dangerous for long-term weight loss.

ConclusionExercise is not the only answer for weight loss and the importance of a proper and customized diet cannot be ignored. In fact, diet plans are known to be effective for weight loss in the long run. Exercises are vital for the wellness of an individual, to gain weight and to maintain the weight. On the other hand, diet plans are much better to achieve desired weight loss goals. Alternatively, one can combine exercise and diet for losing pounds.