The most important aspect of weight loss is maintaining a calorie deficit, which means you consume fewer calories than you burn during the day.
It may be possible to maintain a calorie deficit without exercise, but the benefits of exercise extend far beyond simply losing weight. According to the CDC, regular exercise may help:
boost brain and mental healthboost energy levelsstrengthen your bones and immune systemprevent age-related conditions, such as cognitive declineprevent chronic conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and some cancersThe CDC recommends getting at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 minutes of high intensity aerobic exercise, as well as 2 days of resistance training per week.
It’s also important to focus on eating a balanced diet of nutritious whole foods. The CDC recommends:
eating foods like fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low fat dairy products, and lean proteinslimiting added sugars, sodium, saturated and trans fats, and cholesterolConsider speaking with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian if you’re unsure where to start on your weight loss journey. They could help develop a plan that works best for you.