Originally Posted by
Heathpack
Articles like this are honestly just misleading. Most of these studies "proving" exercise "doesn't work" for weight loss take an unrealistic approach. They look at exercise alone, with no calorie restriction.
That's not what this article says at all. It is saying that exercise alone won't do; that it has to be combined with attention to intake.
Originally Posted by
Heathpack
However, following common sense works- moderately calorie-restrict your diet while not protein-restricting it, increase the intensity of your exercise over time and realistically track calories burned (power meter is helpful). That's pretty much the formula for most people & exercise is a key part of it.
I don't think the authors would disagree. The problem is that one can't increase intensity indefinitely. Metabolic adaptions do occur and there is a point of diminishing returns. In this regard the studies involving twins and the hunter/gatherer tribe (while limited) are interesting. A relatively new exercise program can lead to weight loss even without substantially changing diet, but this is inevitably short lived.
While activity is no doubt important, and exercise imparts benefits aside from weight loss, in the long run I think diet is the most important component of weight control. Take some time looking at people's carts in the grocery store. While there are always exceptions, by and large the extremely overweight people have carts filled with processed food, sugary drinks, pizza, chips and the like. The people with body compositions most would aspire to have carts with fruits and vegetables, low fat protein and whole grain foods. This may be a generalization, but I think it holds up pretty well.
BTW, I think the title given the article misrepresents what it's saying. I doubt the authors chose it.