The Secret to Weight Loss Through Exercise

Exercise ramps up appetite, helping to explain why calories burned don’t necessarily equal calories lost, so how can we lose weight through physical activity?

Thanks for watching. I hope you’ll join in the evidence-based nutrition revolution!
-Michael Greger, MD FACLM

[NotMeTodayMaybe]

I have stopped "exercising". After years in the military I have a strong aversion to forced exercise. When I walked specifically for exercise along the road, my brain would tell me I was hurting and tired after 1/4 of a mile. I gave up, but decided to have a peaceful walk barefoot on the beach in the morning for as long as I wanted, with no goal except enjoyment. In just a couple weeks I was walking an hour a day, stress and pain free. So no, I don't exercise. What do I do? Walk on the beach, kayak, take a swim in the pool or a relaxed bike ride to a park, and stetches/yoga. It has completely changed me from a very sedentary person to an outdoor loving mover. I move at least 90 minutes a day and have fun doing it.

[StrangerDanger]

Something that really helped me was every time I did a satisfying workout and felt like a 'treat' I would say to myself: "Now change the word 'treat' to 'sabotage' and see if you still feel like undoing the hard work you just put in."

[gaylestone]

This is a great argument for truly walkable communities where daily needs - groceries, drug stores, socializing, etc - can easily be met by walking rather than needing a car for everything. Activity as part of everyday life, not a set-aside time for exercise.

[pmw]

My take away:

Either do a lot of exercise, or a small amount and do it for enjoyment, or for reasons other than exercise (e.g., housework, taking care of kids or a garden or a car).

Very little exercise causes weight gain, but so does a moderate amount that is done for the sake of exercise alone.

In short, just be more active doing things you enjoy, or for reasons other than exercise per se.

[JustAZ]

I do resistance and/or cardio training 5-6 days a week. It has been a game changer for me as I approach 70. Many friends my age say they just can't stay motivated for any consistent period of time. Sadly, most are dealing with one or more chronic diseases.

[mmc]

I’ve started walking an hour every day without changing diet and am amazed how quickly I look slimmer. Have been more sedentary than ever for a year owing to an injury. I do not like exercise but am hopeful this is something I can do and do with consistency. I hope so, I feel sprightlier.

[dianeladico]

I go the other way. I am not fond of exercise for the sake of exercise. I'd much rather move a yard of mulch than walk a mile. That said, after any activity I'm motivated not to negate the positive effects by 'rewarding' myself with extra calories. Knowing the details Dr. Greger provides only strengthens my resolve.

[isabellezablocki]

I do gym exercises and Pickleball as physical activities. When I go to the gym, I think of calories expenditure. When I play Pickleball, I never think of calories. It is just fun.

[leftyfourguns]

We shouldn't think of exercise an activity that reduces calories. We should think of calories as the means to fuel our exercise. No more or no less, just exactly what we need to exercise to our limits and recover

[FunFreakeyy]

I'm using a rebounder for fun and it's harder to stop than to start because it makes so much fun. Easy way to get me moving.

[ofuscats]

Am loving this series Dr Greger. Very interesting 🤔

[Apollo]

I didn't get that last bit at the end, about the limited ability of our bodies to downregulate appetite at an activity level of 71 hundred steps a day.
But the "imagination about exercise (or its intensity)"-"appetite/self indulgence" link is epic! Thanks, Dr. G!

[angiebee]

I have definitely noticed this in my own life over the years, but I'm less likely to do it now on a regular basis.

[nellosnook]

Thanks for this interesting content! 👍
Successful weight loss:
1. 90% diet.
2. 10% exercise.
3. 100% DISCIPLINE.

[hornsteinhof]

I'd say exercise has amazing benefits on the body and mind. It's only that fat loss is not among those effects. Your body needs movement to function properly

[mikemaldanado]

Interesting findings, thanks for the video. I have never associated exercise with weight loss, i use it to my body stronger, especially the heart muscle. For my entire life exercise never led to weight loss, that only happened through proper nutrition and diet and i have you to thank for that.

[gdwlaw]

Walking the dog has done wonders for me! I play tennis once or twice. Weight BMI just a little high but I feel great.

[steveb]

Once again you justified my sedentary lifestyle. It’s comforting to know being lazy is paying off.

[catsanddogs]

I jog to the kitchen from the couch several times an evening and have attached resistance bands to the remote so I'm good.

[betsyetoddlerteacher]

I teach Pre-K. I wish we could all live the way my students do in our classroom environment. Gross motor play and hands-on learning balanced with naptime makes for a healthy, joy filled day.