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Considering weight loss without exercise? Read this before you dive in

Shedding those extra kilos is never easy and it's a common assumption that the simplest way to achieve it is via intense dieting. But does it really work? Let's find out.
ice apple for weight loss
Khand may make you feel lighter. Try it! Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Published by Aayushi Gupta
Published On: 28 Oct 2021, 01:35 pm IST
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Aren’t we always on the lookout for easy and quick solutions? Often when you know you have some extra pounds to lose and you don’t have time to go to the gym, you look for ways to lose weight without exercise. Isn’t that exactly why you have landed here? Weight loss without exercise is a wish a lot of people have, but controlling your diet alone cannot be a healthy solution. 

Losing weight without exercise is not the right way to work around your concerns. In fact, losing weight without exercise will make you fat! Shocked? Well, it’s true. And we aren’t saying this, but Dr Siddhant Bhargava, who is also a nutritionist to Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt. 

Here’s what Dr Bhargava said about weight loss and exercise:

In an Instagram reel, Dr Bhargava shared, “When you’re losing weight or trying to lose weight, you’re not really losing fat, you’re losing some fat, muscle, and water. Now if your total calorie deficit is created only by eating less, you’re causing your body more harm.” 

Check out the post here: 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Dr. Siddhant Bhargava (@dr.siddhant.bhargava)


Let’s break it down how!

Your weight is a balance between the calories you take in and the calories you burn. You will lose weight if you eat a low-calorie diet in which you burn off more calories than you take in. And you will gain weight if you eat more calories than you burn! Adding physical activity allows you to burn more calories than merely dieting alone.

Dr Bhargava said, “When you’re in a calorie deficit, your body tends to burn muscle as well. If your muscle mass goes down, your metabolic rate slows down. If metabolic rate slows down, you might hit weight loss plateaus. Then early and even the smallest amount of overeating will make you put on weight.”

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To get a flat belly, exercise regularly. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

All in all, if you think a more intensive diet can make up for a lack of exercise then you’re wrong and it’s totally a case of misconception. 

So what’s the solution now?

When it comes down to it, you need to follow both; a healthy balanced diet and regular exercise. And for regular exercise, you should follow a strength training workout. Dr Bhargava said, “When you are on a diet, skipping cardio is fine. But make sure you get in strength and resistance training where your muscles are active, so you can minimise the muscle loss that occurs.” And this will make your weight loss journey sustainable and responsible. 

So ladies, now you know that you can put on more weight in an only-diet plan vis-a-vis a diet and exercise plan, what would you choose for your health’s sake?

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About The Author
Aayushi Gupta
Aayushi Gupta

Aayushi Gupta is a health writer with a special interest in trends related to diet, fitness, beauty and intimate health. With around 2 years of experience in the wellness industry, she is connected to leading experts and doctors to provide our readers with factually correct information.

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