Adherence
Combining increased physical activity with improved eating behaviors yields significantly greater long-term weight loss than either intervention alone, with eating behavior changes being the primary driver of weight loss.
To lose weight and keep it off, you must change both what you eat and how much you move. Focus heavily on building healthy eating habits (like planning meals and monitoring intake) as these drive the most weight loss. Add exercise (aiming for 200 minutes per week) to boost results, but do not rely on exercise alone to offset poor dietary choices.
The combination of changes in eating and physical activity behaviors can improve long-term weight loss compared with either behavior alone. ... weight loss was influence more by changes in eating behaviors than changes in physical activity (R2 > 0.17 vs R2 > 0.04).
Why this rating
Randomized controlled trial with 104 subjects, 18-month duration, but relies on self-reported dietary and activity data.
Source
Relationship of physical activity to eating behaviors and weight loss in women
John M. Jakicic et al. · Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise · 2002
This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →