Is Exercise Needed To Lose Weight?
Losing weight can be a challenging and often frustrating experience. Many people start to wonder if exercise is even necessary to lose weight. While it is possible to lose weight through dieting alone, exercise can be an important component of any body recomposition (losing body fat and building/maintaining muscle) plan.
At Pare & Prune, we have worked with clients who have lost weight through dieting alone. However, we also believe (and the research supports it. See here and here) that exercise-both cardio and strength training, are an important part of any weight loss journey. When combined with diet, exercise can help you achieve and maintain your weight loss goals.
Exercise By Itself
It is important to note that exercise alone is not enough to cause significant weight loss. Aerobic exercise, such as running or cycling, tends to be more effective than resistance training for weight loss. However, resistance training is important for preserving muscle mass, which can help maintain your basal metabolic rate and help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
The Best of Both Worlds
At Pare & Prune, we believe that there is no single best approach to weight loss. Instead, we recommend a combination of a hypo-caloric diets and exercise, including both cardio and strength training. This approach can help you achieve your weight loss goals while also promoting overall health and wellness. Here are just a few of the benefits:
- Improved cardiovascular health and fitness
- Improved insulin sensitivity
- Improved glycemic control in type 2 diabetes
- Improved blood pressure
- Improved depression scores
To summarize it up, while exercise is not absolutely necessary for weight loss, it can be an important part of any weight loss plan. Combining exercise with a healthy diet can help you achieve and maintain your weight loss goals over a long period of time.