According to a new study diet only is as effective as diet plus exercise for losing weight. Prior to this study we all have the belief that diet plus exercise is the most effective way to lose weight (From MSNBC).
For losing weight individuals need to maintain a difference between the amount of calories they consume and the amount of calories they burn. And it does not matter the reduction in calories is achieved by diet or exercise.
Thirty-five overweight 16 men and 19 women completed the six-month study. Twelve were assigned to a diet-only group; they reduced their calorie intake by 25 percent. Twelve were assigned to diet plus exercise; they reduced their calorie intake by 12.5 percent and increased their exercise by 12.5 percent. The remaining 11 subjects made no significant diet or exercise changes.
It is found that diet-only group and the diet plus exercise group lost roughly the same amount of weight, albeit by different means. Therefore, if the goal is purely shedding pounds, diet or exercise will work, according to this study. However, as the researchers point out, regular exercise can improve aerobic fitness and lower the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
The study also found that exercise did little to tone specific areas of the body. Fat was reduced consistently across the whole body and not more in any one trouble spot.
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