Obesity has become epidemic in the developed world and lack of physical activity is the major contributor.
While the public is preoccupied with the minute differences between fad diets, the scientific literature is clear: diet without exercise shows little to no efficacy in long-term weight loss.
More importantly, even if a person were to miraculously have all the excess fat sucked out of their body, they would still not receive the health benefits provided by regular exercise. Exercise contributes to cardiovascular health, develops muscle and bone strength to prevent osteoporosis, serves to improve mental health and possibly even generate new brain cells. And that's just a few of the benefits.
Not only that, exercise makes dieting easier. Losing weight by reducing calories alone takes unbelievable (unrealistic) will power. Studies show that the taste preferences of runners is tuned to healthier foods, thereby making it easier to stick with a diet. Certain forms of exercise can increase the number of calories you burn at rest (resting metabolic rate). If you are dieting but not exercising, you're fighting a losing battle.
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