Hormonal
Exercise-induced weight loss produces superior improvements in adipokine profiles (increased adiponectin, decreased chemerin), insulin resistance, and systemic inflammation compared to diet-induced weight loss, despite achieving equivalent total body weight reduction.
If your goal is to improve metabolic health, insulin sensitivity, and reduce inflammation, prioritize exercise over strict calorie restriction, even if your total body weight doesn't drop as quickly. Exercise is more effective at targeting fat loss and improving your body's hormonal response to food than dieting alone, provided you maintain a similar energy deficit.
Exercise-induced fat mass loss was more effective than dieting for improving adipokine profile, insulin resistance, and systemic inflammation in obese men, underscoring metabolic benefits of increased physical activity.
Why this rating
Randomized controlled trial with a relatively large sample size (n=80) and matched energy deficits, though limited by short follow-up and lack of a non-intervention control.
Source
Exercise-Induced Weight Loss Is More Effective Than Dieting for Improving Adipokine Profile, Insulin Resistance, and Inflammation in Obese Men
Joan Khoo et al. · International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism · 2015
DOI 10.1123/ijsnem.2015-0025
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