Hello,

Thank you for your question! Actually, exercise is considered the least efficient means to lose weight. The reason why exercise is inefficient is the amount of time needed to generate a 750-1000 Kcal/day difference. Sure, you can raise your overall expenditure by 150-250 calories per day which for most individuals will be 10% of their overall daily expenditure (1500-2500 Kcals/day). However, without substantially decreasing your calories you will likely lose only a few pounds in a month. Consider the time to exercise (30-45 minutes), time to prepare, time to get home (if you are going to a gym), etc. it will be 45-90 minutes.

Contrast this with a decision to reduce your calories 700-1000 Kcals per day which requires no time!!! You still have to eat so by reducing your calories with high fiber and high protein food sources and reducing fat and starches is much more efficient.

They have shown in several studies where diet is 80% of the weight loss. Activity is usually only 5-10% and sleep is now 5-10%. So, focusing on reducing your calories and using exercise as means for stress management and overall general health is my recommendation.

Scott McDoniel