Exercise may work better for keeping weight off than losing it
Research indicates that while exercise is essential for overall health, it is less effective for initial weight loss than diet alone. However, physical activity is a critical factor in maintaining weight loss and preventing weight regain over time.
Why it matters
Understanding the limited role of exercise in calorie-deficit weight loss helps individuals set realistic expectations and focus on long-term health maintenance.
The basic principle of weight loss is straightforward: if you consume fewer calories than you burn, you'll lose weight. In practice though, this isn't usually so easy or simple.
Alongside counting calories or eating smaller portions, many people add exercise into the equation when trying to lose weight to help tip the balance. Yet research shows that exercise may only have modest effects on weight loss .
But before you ditch your workouts, it's important to note that exercise still plays a really important role when it comes to health - perhaps especially in keeping the pounds off after reaching your goal weight.
There are several processes that help explain why exercise doesn't always result in huge amounts of weight loss.
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