Is Exercise or a Change in Diet More Effective for Weight Loss?

Diet & Weight Loss Tips, Diet Advice, Diet Article

It's practically impossible to beat a healthy diet when it comes to weight loss results.

Although more impressive results can be visualized when diet is paired with exercise, an individual can consume a much higher rate of calories than can be burned through exercise.

Let's take a look at the caloric needs of an individual weighing anywhere from 161 pounds to 170 pounds. Let's use the 170 pounds as a base for our example.

If the 170 pound individual were inactive it would take about 2,210 calories to support his or her current weight.

If the 170 pound individual were moderately active it would take about 2,550 calories to support his or her current weight - a difference of 340 calories or a big cupcake.

If the 170 pound individual were considered to enjoy an active lifestyle it would take about 2,890 calories to support his or her current weight. That's 340 calories more than a moderate lifestyle and 680 calories more than an inactive lifestyle.

An inactive lifestyle is defined as doing very little activity throughout the day. For example, if Jane watches television all day yet cooks dinner and supper and sweeps the kitchen floor, she is considered inactive - although she has performed some aggressive activity via sweeping.

If Jane were to walk 2,000 steps to be considered moderately active. To be considered active she would need to walk 5,000 steps per day. Of course, walking is just one form of exercise and other activity can be used for achieving activity levels.

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