Is it better to cut calories or exercise more?

Author: Prof. Annabel Labadie  |  Last update: Tuesday, October 14, 2025

"You have to do huge amounts of physical activity to lose weight, but you can get a better energy deficit just by cutting down on calories." But, once you get your beach body, to keep the weight off, Dr. Hensrud says exercise is much more effective. "So both diet and physical activity are important," he says.

Is a calorie deficit better than exercise?

Cutting calories tends to be more efficient than raising exercise in terms of weight loss. To lose weight, you must eat fewer calories than you expend. For the most part, it's easier to reduce calorie consumption than it is to burn more calories by increased exercise.

Is it better to eat less or exercise more to lose weight?

What's best for weight loss, eating less or exercising more? A: Eating less is best for weight loss. You will be surprised how few calories are burned by walking or a workout in a gym. The exercise does help though. It helps grow your muscles so that you can burn more calories even at rest.

Is 70% diet and 30% exercise true?

Yes weight loss is 70% diet and 30% exercise and it applies to all. The truth of the matter is that diet is very important, and much easier to tailor than exercise for weight loss. If you want to lose weight, you must create a caloric deficit.

What is the 50% rule for weight loss?

Use the “50 percent” rule: At every meal, make sure at least half your plate is filled with produce. Use the scale wisely: Weigh yourself regularly to keep an eye on your weight, but don't look at the number as a measure of your self worth.

Comparison: Highest Calorie-Burning Exercises

What happens if you exercise but don't eat healthy?

Whether you work out longer or at a higher intensity, exercise can't completely reverse the effects of a bad diet, expert say. There's also an increased risk for premature death if you exercise but neglect healthy eating.

Is diet or exercise more important to lose belly fat?

Doing aerobic exercise while eating a healthy diet is the best way to lose belly fat and overall body fat. This will help to create a calorie deficit (where you use more calories than you consume), which promotes fat loss over time.

How many calories should I eat to lose weight?

For example, to lose 1 to 2 pounds a week — a rate that experts consider safe — your food consumption should provide 500 to 1,000 calories less than your total weight-maintenance calories. If you need 2,325 calories a day to maintain your current weight, reduce your daily calories to between 1,325 and 1,825.

What happens if you eat very little and exercise a lot?

Yes, eating less with a low-calorie diet puts you on the fast track to weight loss—and an intense exercise routine leads to increased metabolism and decreased body fat. In reality, a crash diet and overzealous exercise routine can be hard to maintain which may lead to more weight gain in the future.

How to lose belly fat?

8 Ways to Lose Belly Fat and Live a Healthier Life
  1. Try curbing carbs instead of fats. ...
  2. Think eating plan, not diet. ...
  3. Keep moving. ...
  4. Lift weights. ...
  5. Become a label reader. ...
  6. Move away from processed foods. ...
  7. Focus on the way your clothes fit more than reading a scale. ...
  8. Hang out with health-focused friends.

Which is better for weight loss, walking or running?

Running burns more than twice as many calories per minute as walking. For a person who weighs 160 pounds, walking at a pace of 3.5 miles per hour for 30 minutes burns about 156 calories. Running at 6 mph for the same time burns about 356 calories. Low impact vs.

Why am I not losing weight on calorie deficit and exercise?

It requires addressing potential factors like inaccurate tracking, stress, and hormonal changes. Weight loss plateaus are common due to metabolic adaptation, muscle loss, or water retention, and overcoming them may require tweaks to your diet, exercise intensity, or lifestyle habits.

Why am I losing weight but my stomach is still big?

Unhealthy eating is the biggest driver of big bellies. Too many starchy carbohydrates and bad fats are a recipe for that midsection to expand. Instead, get plenty of veggies, choose lean proteins, and stay away from fats from red meats. Choose healthier fats in things like fish, nuts, and avocados.

Is it faster to lose weight by diet or exercise?

Diet vs exercise for weight loss

According to Colleen Alrutz, health and fitness manager at Piedmont Newnan, diet wins 70% of the time when it comes to shedding pounds. To fast-track your weight-loss results, couple a healthy diet with regular physical activity. Exercise wins when it comes to keeping the weight off.

What burns the most belly fat fast?

To burn off visceral fat, your first step is to include at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise or cardio into your daily routine. Studies show that aerobic exercises for belly fat help reduce belly fat and liver fat. Some great cardio of aerobic exercises for belly fat include: Walking, especially at a quick pace.

What is the 80 20 rule for diet and exercise?

The 80/20 rule simply means: 80% of the effects come from 20% of the things u do. 20% from exercise. It isn't just about the weight loss but actually about the fat loss and muscle gain.

What is the healthiest fast food?

The next time you're on the road, pressed for time, or too tired to cook, choose one of these eight healthy options.
  • Dunkin: Wake-Up Wrap. ...
  • Starbucks: Tomato and Mozzarella on Focaccia. ...
  • Panera Bread: Strawberry Poppyseed Salad with Chicken. ...
  • Subway: 6-inch Veggie Delite Sandwich. ...
  • Burger King: Impossible Whopper.

What is the 3 2 1 method for weight loss?

The 3-2-1 refers to your weekly split of workouts - three strength training sessions, two Pilates sessions, and one cardio session. All up, that's six sessions per week, leaving you one full rest day, too.

How to lose 15 pounds in a month plan?

Experts say these methods can help you reach your goals:
  1. Be mindful of how many calories you have. ...
  2. Cut back on how much alcohol you have. ...
  3. Fill your plate with fruits and vegetables. ...
  4. Aim for a balance of macros. ...
  5. Revisit your activity levels. ...
  6. Try to drink more water. ...
  7. Get the recommended seven hours of sleep.

How to lose 50 pounds of belly fat?

14 Ways To Lose Belly Fat
  1. Get your heart pumping. Aerobic exercise burns calories and helps you reduce your total body fat, including belly fat. ...
  2. Add muscle. ...
  3. Cut back on added sugar. ...
  4. Avoid high-calorie beverages. ...
  5. Limit alcohol. ...
  6. Eat more fiber. ...
  7. Opt for protein throughout the day. ...
  8. Pick the proper carbs.

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