Diet vs. Exercise

Diet accounts for 85% of weight loss results while exercise accounts for only 15%. If a person must choose between diet and exercise, diet takes clear priority, though doing both simultaneously is ideal. The contribution of diet and exercise to weight loss results is highly asymmetric, with diet dominating. Starting a weight loss program with exercise before addressing diet is one of the most consequential mistakes a person can make. Attempting weight loss through exercise alone, without changing diet, produces minimal results and typically leads to program abandonment. When diet is addressed first, the visible and sustainable results make it easier to subsequently add and maintain exercise.