Exercise doesn't help you lose weight...say what?
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Got into a discussion with some friends the other day regarding diet and exercise and losing weight, etc. One of my friends said that exercise does not help you lose weight, it's 100% diet. I disagreed and said that whether you take in less calories (diet) or burn more calories (exercise), if you're in a deficit you'll lose weight, therefore exercise does in fact help you lose weight. She disagreed with me still.
Your thoughts?
I cant believe there's nearly 20 pages of this. Your question was clear and a deficit, no matter how you get it will lead to weight loss.
The question was "your thoughts?"
that's what we are giving...our thoughts...discussing and debating them.0 -
More and more research is showing the ones successful with weight loss for maintenance are those that had some sort of schedule to include exercise, even if it was merely increased daily activity of walking.
So while we know it's not required to lose weight, if you view the overall big picture of maintaining the weight loss as part of calling it a success - then it would appear exercise included needs to be a part of the plan moving forward along with obvious diet changes (can't eat at same heavier weight eating level).
So if that is path to success, better to encourage to start during the weight loss, or the maintenance?
Perhaps it's merely a case of people like to eat at certain level of calories, exercise allows that.
Perhaps it's a case of doing exercise makes people more mindful of choices in general, including food.
Perhaps something else and combo of things.5 -
Need2Exerc1se wrote: »Need2Exerc1se wrote: »Need2Exerc1se wrote: »Need2Exerc1se wrote: »Need2Exerc1se wrote: »I find this all very funny..people accuse me of being all semantic and *kitten*..but come one folks.
we all know to lose weight you need a calorie deficit...how you get that deficit can be a variety of ways.
eat less food, exercise more or a combination of both.
But when it comes down to it....EXERCISE IS NOT A REQUIREMENT TO LOSE WEIGHT.
There are people everyday who lose weight who can't exercise...yah can't exercise. Just normal movement can and does cause issues for some folks so they lose weight by eating less.
So exercise can create a deficit but in the long term it really is not the way weight is lost...as pointed out many times you can exercise all you want but if you aren't burning more than waht you are consuming...
All true. But the question wasn't whether exercise is a requirement.
no it was a bit of a helter skelter question that has an answer that requires more than yes or no...more along the lines of what are you thoughts of using exercise to lose weight...
and I always go back to "what about the people who can't exercise"...
if they can lose weight then that is your answer...doesn't matter if you use it to lose there are those that can't and so the OP was in a sense wrong...
exercise can create a deficit but it doesn't always...the only thing that can guarantee the weight loss is eating less than you burn...
or burning more than you eat.
Edit: But seriously, saying calorie deficit is the only thing doesn't in any way negate exercise being helpful. It is.
Exercise is for health and fitness. Can it help create a deficit sure it can...if you can exercise.
But in a world where people couldn't exercise...people could still lose weight.
Of course. Has anyone in this thread suggested that exercise was mandatory?
Not that I remember (I didn't re read this entire thread) however when people argue that you can create your deficit with exercise so it isn't 100% exercise it's not totally accurate.
1. You can exercise and not create a deficit.
2. If you can't exercise you need to rely totally on less food to create the deficit
3. what happens if/when you can't exercise.
So I have always felt that these types of discussions do a disservice to the community as a whole.
Well you are certainly entitled to your feelings, but IMO saying exercise isn't helpful for weight loss is the disservice.
eh maybe...so what do you say to people who say this
I am going to the gym 6x a week working out 1 hour a day lifting weights and doing cardio but not losing any weight...what should I do????
Eat less.
What do you say to someone that does no exercise and complains of having to eat so few calories to lose weight?
eat more protein and fats cause they keep you feeling fuller longer
do volume eating with low calorie foods such as veggies
drink more water with flavor perhaps.
because I don't know if they can exercise so giving them the options with food is the best path.
So suggesting exercise if it is an option is not valid? I don't think most in here would agree.
I will never suggest exercise as a method to lose weight no.
IMO Exercise is for health and fitness not weight loss. YOu can exercise all you want and not lose weight but if you eat less than maintenance you will lose weight period.Need2Exerc1se wrote: »Need2Exerc1se wrote: »Need2Exerc1se wrote: »Need2Exerc1se wrote: »Need2Exerc1se wrote: »Need2Exerc1se wrote: »I find this all very funny..people accuse me of being all semantic and *kitten*..but come one folks.
we all know to lose weight you need a calorie deficit...how you get that deficit can be a variety of ways.
eat less food, exercise more or a combination of both.
But when it comes down to it....EXERCISE IS NOT A REQUIREMENT TO LOSE WEIGHT.
There are people everyday who lose weight who can't exercise...yah can't exercise. Just normal movement can and does cause issues for some folks so they lose weight by eating less.
So exercise can create a deficit but in the long term it really is not the way weight is lost...as pointed out many times you can exercise all you want but if you aren't burning more than waht you are consuming...
All true. But the question wasn't whether exercise is a requirement.
no it was a bit of a helter skelter question that has an answer that requires more than yes or no...more along the lines of what are you thoughts of using exercise to lose weight...
and I always go back to "what about the people who can't exercise"...
if they can lose weight then that is your answer...doesn't matter if you use it to lose there are those that can't and so the OP was in a sense wrong...
exercise can create a deficit but it doesn't always...the only thing that can guarantee the weight loss is eating less than you burn...
or burning more than you eat.
Edit: But seriously, saying calorie deficit is the only thing doesn't in any way negate exercise being helpful. It is.
Exercise is for health and fitness. Can it help create a deficit sure it can...if you can exercise.
But in a world where people couldn't exercise...people could still lose weight.
Of course. Has anyone in this thread suggested that exercise was mandatory?
Not that I remember (I didn't re read this entire thread) however when people argue that you can create your deficit with exercise so it isn't 100% exercise it's not totally accurate.
1. You can exercise and not create a deficit.
2. If you can't exercise you need to rely totally on less food to create the deficit
3. what happens if/when you can't exercise.
So I have always felt that these types of discussions do a disservice to the community as a whole.
Well you are certainly entitled to your feelings, but IMO saying exercise isn't helpful for weight loss is the disservice.
eh maybe...so what do you say to people who say this
I am going to the gym 6x a week working out 1 hour a day lifting weights and doing cardio but not losing any weight...what should I do????
Eat less.
What do you say to someone that does no exercise and complains of having to eat so few calories to lose weight?
eat more protein and fats cause they keep you feeling fuller longer
do volume eating with low calorie foods such as veggies
drink more water with flavor perhaps.
because I don't know if they can exercise so giving them the options with food is the best path.
I'd tell them to exercise. If they f/u with "I am unable" then I'd go to food only. Because exercise is going to make is easier.
Exercise is easier for you...but lots don't want to exercise, don't enjoy it and because they don't enjoy it if it's a requirement to lose weight they are gone...thems the facts.
ETA: I am a person who was that way...I hated exercise...but those who know me from here know I now run, bike, swim, lift weights, walk, yoga, ski, snow shoe....and I quit smoking to make those things easier...but I get it's for health and fitness and I get to eat more food because of it...but I enjoy it...there are plenty who hate exercise.
I actually do not care for exercise (activity performed to improve health & fitness) at all and do as little as I believe is necessary.
For those that don't like exercise I would recommend they add non-exercise activities that they do enjoy. I like to keep the CI as high as possible without gaining weight so upping the CO is important to me.0 -
More and more research is showing the ones successful with weight loss for maintenance are those that had some sort of schedule to include exercise, even if it was merely increased daily activity of walking.
So while we know it's not required to lose weight, if you view the overall big picture of maintaining the weight loss as part of calling it a success - then it would appear exercise included needs to be a part of the plan moving forward along with obvious diet changes (can't eat at same heavier weight eating level).
So if that is path to success, better to encourage to start during the weight loss, or the maintenance?
Perhaps it's merely a case of people like to eat at certain level of calories, exercise allows that.
Perhaps it's a case of doing exercise makes people more mindful of choices in general, including food.
Perhaps something else and combo of things.
I think this is true and I think there is a bit of bias here as well tho.
Most people don't want to exercise at all...esp if they are big(ger) as it hurts...or is uncomfortable at best.
But as they lose the weight it doesn't hurt and it gets incorporated at which point the light bulb moment happens that hey I can eat more food this way then it sticks...and the longer it sticks the less uncomfortable they are...or they find something they love and then hit maintenance and it helps them maintain...
So for losing I would never recommend exercise as a way to create a deficit...
For maintaining absolutely a way to eat more food.Need2Exerc1se wrote: »Need2Exerc1se wrote: »Need2Exerc1se wrote: »Need2Exerc1se wrote: »Need2Exerc1se wrote: »Need2Exerc1se wrote: »I find this all very funny..people accuse me of being all semantic and *kitten*..but come one folks.
we all know to lose weight you need a calorie deficit...how you get that deficit can be a variety of ways.
eat less food, exercise more or a combination of both.
But when it comes down to it....EXERCISE IS NOT A REQUIREMENT TO LOSE WEIGHT.
There are people everyday who lose weight who can't exercise...yah can't exercise. Just normal movement can and does cause issues for some folks so they lose weight by eating less.
So exercise can create a deficit but in the long term it really is not the way weight is lost...as pointed out many times you can exercise all you want but if you aren't burning more than waht you are consuming...
All true. But the question wasn't whether exercise is a requirement.
no it was a bit of a helter skelter question that has an answer that requires more than yes or no...more along the lines of what are you thoughts of using exercise to lose weight...
and I always go back to "what about the people who can't exercise"...
if they can lose weight then that is your answer...doesn't matter if you use it to lose there are those that can't and so the OP was in a sense wrong...
exercise can create a deficit but it doesn't always...the only thing that can guarantee the weight loss is eating less than you burn...
or burning more than you eat.
Edit: But seriously, saying calorie deficit is the only thing doesn't in any way negate exercise being helpful. It is.
Exercise is for health and fitness. Can it help create a deficit sure it can...if you can exercise.
But in a world where people couldn't exercise...people could still lose weight.
Of course. Has anyone in this thread suggested that exercise was mandatory?
Not that I remember (I didn't re read this entire thread) however when people argue that you can create your deficit with exercise so it isn't 100% exercise it's not totally accurate.
1. You can exercise and not create a deficit.
2. If you can't exercise you need to rely totally on less food to create the deficit
3. what happens if/when you can't exercise.
So I have always felt that these types of discussions do a disservice to the community as a whole.
Well you are certainly entitled to your feelings, but IMO saying exercise isn't helpful for weight loss is the disservice.
eh maybe...so what do you say to people who say this
I am going to the gym 6x a week working out 1 hour a day lifting weights and doing cardio but not losing any weight...what should I do????
Eat less.
What do you say to someone that does no exercise and complains of having to eat so few calories to lose weight?
eat more protein and fats cause they keep you feeling fuller longer
do volume eating with low calorie foods such as veggies
drink more water with flavor perhaps.
because I don't know if they can exercise so giving them the options with food is the best path.
So suggesting exercise if it is an option is not valid? I don't think most in here would agree.
I will never suggest exercise as a method to lose weight no.
IMO Exercise is for health and fitness not weight loss. YOu can exercise all you want and not lose weight but if you eat less than maintenance you will lose weight period.Need2Exerc1se wrote: »Need2Exerc1se wrote: »Need2Exerc1se wrote: »Need2Exerc1se wrote: »Need2Exerc1se wrote: »Need2Exerc1se wrote: »I find this all very funny..people accuse me of being all semantic and *kitten*..but come one folks.
we all know to lose weight you need a calorie deficit...how you get that deficit can be a variety of ways.
eat less food, exercise more or a combination of both.
But when it comes down to it....EXERCISE IS NOT A REQUIREMENT TO LOSE WEIGHT.
There are people everyday who lose weight who can't exercise...yah can't exercise. Just normal movement can and does cause issues for some folks so they lose weight by eating less.
So exercise can create a deficit but in the long term it really is not the way weight is lost...as pointed out many times you can exercise all you want but if you aren't burning more than waht you are consuming...
All true. But the question wasn't whether exercise is a requirement.
no it was a bit of a helter skelter question that has an answer that requires more than yes or no...more along the lines of what are you thoughts of using exercise to lose weight...
and I always go back to "what about the people who can't exercise"...
if they can lose weight then that is your answer...doesn't matter if you use it to lose there are those that can't and so the OP was in a sense wrong...
exercise can create a deficit but it doesn't always...the only thing that can guarantee the weight loss is eating less than you burn...
or burning more than you eat.
Edit: But seriously, saying calorie deficit is the only thing doesn't in any way negate exercise being helpful. It is.
Exercise is for health and fitness. Can it help create a deficit sure it can...if you can exercise.
But in a world where people couldn't exercise...people could still lose weight.
Of course. Has anyone in this thread suggested that exercise was mandatory?
Not that I remember (I didn't re read this entire thread) however when people argue that you can create your deficit with exercise so it isn't 100% exercise it's not totally accurate.
1. You can exercise and not create a deficit.
2. If you can't exercise you need to rely totally on less food to create the deficit
3. what happens if/when you can't exercise.
So I have always felt that these types of discussions do a disservice to the community as a whole.
Well you are certainly entitled to your feelings, but IMO saying exercise isn't helpful for weight loss is the disservice.
eh maybe...so what do you say to people who say this
I am going to the gym 6x a week working out 1 hour a day lifting weights and doing cardio but not losing any weight...what should I do????
Eat less.
What do you say to someone that does no exercise and complains of having to eat so few calories to lose weight?
eat more protein and fats cause they keep you feeling fuller longer
do volume eating with low calorie foods such as veggies
drink more water with flavor perhaps.
because I don't know if they can exercise so giving them the options with food is the best path.
I'd tell them to exercise. If they f/u with "I am unable" then I'd go to food only. Because exercise is going to make is easier.
Exercise is easier for you...but lots don't want to exercise, don't enjoy it and because they don't enjoy it if it's a requirement to lose weight they are gone...thems the facts.
ETA: I am a person who was that way...I hated exercise...but those who know me from here know I now run, bike, swim, lift weights, walk, yoga, ski, snow shoe....and I quit smoking to make those things easier...but I get it's for health and fitness and I get to eat more food because of it...but I enjoy it...there are plenty who hate exercise.
I actually do not care for exercise (activity performed to improve health & fitness) at all and do as little as I believe is necessary.
For those that don't like exercise I would recommend they add non-exercise activities that they do enjoy. I like to keep the CI as high as possible without gaining weight so upping the CO is important to me.
lol...so you don't advocate exercise you just advocate moving more...which could be purposeful exercise or just extra steps at work taking the stairs...
and yes for me there is a difference....me taking the long way to the bathroom increases my CO but is in no way exercise...but my run this afternoon will be exercise regardless of what it does for my CO...I guess that's why I lift heavy too...doesn't burn a lot of calories but it's exercise.0 -
Lillymoo01 wrote: »I think diet is most important with losing weight because it is easier.
Disagree strongly. It's much easier (and a billion times more pleasant) to go for a bike ride around the lake for 1 hour than to be hungry and feel deprived for 24 hours.5 -
I actually do not care for exercise (activity performed to improve health & fitness) at all and do as little as I believe is necessary.
For those that don't like exercise I would recommend they add non-exercise activities that they do enjoy. I like to keep the CI as high as possible without gaining weight so upping the CO is important to me.
lol...so you don't advocate exercise you just advocate moving more...which could be purposeful exercise or just extra steps at work taking the stairs...
and yes for me there is a difference....me taking the long way to the bathroom increases my CO but is in no way exercise...but my run this afternoon will be exercise regardless of what it does for my CO...I guess that's why I lift heavy too...doesn't burn a lot of calories but it's exercise.
Yes, for those that don't like exercise for the sake of exercising I would recommend activities for fun and practicality. Taking the stairs or the long way to the bathroom would be a step in the right direction, but I'd suggest things like gardening, playing active games or sports, swimming, bike riding, yard work, a walk in the woods, active video games, etc. Works for me.1 -
Need2Exerc1se wrote: »I actually do not care for exercise (activity performed to improve health & fitness) at all and do as little as I believe is necessary.
For those that don't like exercise I would recommend they add non-exercise activities that they do enjoy. I like to keep the CI as high as possible without gaining weight so upping the CO is important to me.
lol...so you don't advocate exercise you just advocate moving more...which could be purposeful exercise or just extra steps at work taking the stairs...
and yes for me there is a difference....me taking the long way to the bathroom increases my CO but is in no way exercise...but my run this afternoon will be exercise regardless of what it does for my CO...I guess that's why I lift heavy too...doesn't burn a lot of calories but it's exercise.
Yes, for those that don't like exercise for the sake of exercising I would recommend activities for fun and practicality. Taking the stairs or the long way to the bathroom would be a step in the right direction, but I'd suggest things like gardening, playing active games or sports, swimming, bike riding, yard work, a walk in the woods, active video games, etc. Works for me.
I agree...I often tell those who don't exercise to do the following to figure it out for themselves:
Try something you think you will love if there is none
Try something you think you will like if there is none
Try the least objectionable exercise you can find...if there is none
try doing a sport or activity you actual like such as walking, biking etc if there is none
just move more..become very inefficient at house keeping or mowing etc. Things you sort of have to do0 -
I would ride a bike if the calories worked there other way. I mean if riding to destress after work somehow put 500 extra calories on, the joy of riding a bike would still be worth it. In fact, it's the icing on the cake that a bike ride also means I get to eat more and still achieve my weight goals.
@Need2Exerc1se is right about doing things for fun.0 -
NorthCascades wrote: »I would ride a bike if the calories worked there other way. I mean if riding to destress after work somehow put 500 extra calories on, the joy of riding a bike would still be worth it. In fact, it's the icing on the cake that a bike ride also means I get to eat more and still achieve my weight goals.
@Need2Exerc1se is right about doing things for fun.
Exactly. I garden because I love it. It burns calories and preserves my bone and muscle. Same with hiking. It keeps me sane. That these also means I get to eat more is a nice plus, but I do them because I enjoy them.2 -
I think the true value in exercise is that it helps to put ones curves in the right places and tone everything up. When I was able to move normally so did go to the gym, walk briskly etc. I never ate back the calories. How accurate are the things that track any calories used?0
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To say it doesn't "help" you lose weight is plainly false and almost laughable. A 20% contribution to weight loss is help. I do think that food is way more important, but that's just statistically accurate.2
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melancholicx wrote: »To say it doesn't "help" you lose weight is plainly false and almost laughable. A 20% contribution to weight loss is help. I do think that food is way more important, but that's just statistically accurate.
I think the best statement would have been
It might not help you lose weight...1 -
melancholicx wrote: »To say it doesn't "help" you lose weight is plainly false and almost laughable. A 20% contribution to weight loss is help. I do think that food is way more important, but that's just statistically accurate.
I think the best statement would have been
It might not help you lose weight...
In what scenario would it not help?0 -
melancholicx wrote: »To say it doesn't "help" you lose weight is plainly false and almost laughable. A 20% contribution to weight loss is help. I do think that food is way more important, but that's just statistically accurate.
Where are you getting that exercise contributes 20% to weight loss?0 -
smithmssycatsmithiris30 wrote: »I think the true value in exercise is that it helps to put ones curves in the right places and tone everything up. When I was able to move normally so did go to the gym, walk briskly etc. I never ate back the calories. How accurate are the things that track any calories used?
Maximum error (for calories) with a power meter is 5%, but you wind up in the middle of that range so it's up to 2.5% in either direction.
So for example when it says I did 1,800 kilo-Jules of work, it could be anywhere from 1,755 to 1,845 kCal.0 -
Need2Exerc1se wrote: »melancholicx wrote: »To say it doesn't "help" you lose weight is plainly false and almost laughable. A 20% contribution to weight loss is help. I do think that food is way more important, but that's just statistically accurate.
I think the best statement would have been
It might not help you lose weight...
In what scenario would it not help?
ah...when it doesn't put you in a deficit...0 -
Need2Exerc1se wrote: »melancholicx wrote: »To say it doesn't "help" you lose weight is plainly false and almost laughable. A 20% contribution to weight loss is help. I do think that food is way more important, but that's just statistically accurate.
I think the best statement would have been
It might not help you lose weight...
In what scenario would it not help?
ah...when it doesn't put you in a deficit...
help =/= cause0 -
Need2Exerc1se wrote: »melancholicx wrote: »To say it doesn't "help" you lose weight is plainly false and almost laughable. A 20% contribution to weight loss is help. I do think that food is way more important, but that's just statistically accurate.
I think the best statement would have been
It might not help you lose weight...
In what scenario would it not help?
ah...when it doesn't put you in a deficit...
But exercise always burns calories. That means it always contributes, which is another word for helps.1 -
Need2Exerc1se wrote: »Need2Exerc1se wrote: »melancholicx wrote: »To say it doesn't "help" you lose weight is plainly false and almost laughable. A 20% contribution to weight loss is help. I do think that food is way more important, but that's just statistically accurate.
I think the best statement would have been
It might not help you lose weight...
In what scenario would it not help?
ah...when it doesn't put you in a deficit...
help =/= cause
where did I say cause...I said the best statement would have been it might not help...not it doesn't help...
and exercise might not help with weight loss...it can but no guarantee.NorthCascades wrote: »Need2Exerc1se wrote: »melancholicx wrote: »To say it doesn't "help" you lose weight is plainly false and almost laughable. A 20% contribution to weight loss is help. I do think that food is way more important, but that's just statistically accurate.
I think the best statement would have been
It might not help you lose weight...
In what scenario would it not help?
ah...when it doesn't put you in a deficit...
But exercise always burns calories. That means it always contributes, which is another word for helps.
it always burns but doesn't always create a deficit...so it may not contribute to weight loss...
aka run 30mins burn 300 under TDEE...eat another 300...guess what that run isn't going to help you lose weight0 -
Need2Exerc1se wrote: »Need2Exerc1se wrote: »melancholicx wrote: »To say it doesn't "help" you lose weight is plainly false and almost laughable. A 20% contribution to weight loss is help. I do think that food is way more important, but that's just statistically accurate.
I think the best statement would have been
It might not help you lose weight...
In what scenario would it not help?
ah...when it doesn't put you in a deficit...
help =/= cause
where did I say cause...I said the best statement would have been it might not help...not it doesn't help...
and exercise might not help with weight loss...it can but no guarantee.NorthCascades wrote: »Need2Exerc1se wrote: »melancholicx wrote: »To say it doesn't "help" you lose weight is plainly false and almost laughable. A 20% contribution to weight loss is help. I do think that food is way more important, but that's just statistically accurate.
I think the best statement would have been
It might not help you lose weight...
In what scenario would it not help?
ah...when it doesn't put you in a deficit...
But exercise always burns calories. That means it always contributes, which is another word for helps.
it always burns but doesn't always create a deficit...so it may not contribute to weight loss...
aka run 30mins burn 300 under TDEE...eat another 300...guess what that run isn't going to help you lose weight
I can't tell if you are being serious? But saying exercise won't help with weight loss is an inherently untrue statement. For it to help with weight loss there would have to be weight loss. And I think we can all agree that for there to be weight (fat) loss there must be a calorie deficit.
You are still arguing cause and not help.3
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