The calorie burn problem

When weight loss programs rely on exercise as the main driver of creating an energy debt, they usually fail.

The reason isn't because exercise won't create an energy deficit - but because knowing that it creates an energy deficit causes people to change their diet.

And you can't out-train a bad diet.

Exercise for the physiological effects of exercise: stronger muscles, greater cardiovascular fitness, and a lavish mood pick-me-up. But not for the nominal increase in caloric expenditure.

There's a classic exercise physiology study showing that an increase in aerobic activity perfectly matches increases in spontaneous calorie intake.

In other words, burning more calories signals to the body to eat more food in order to maintain energy balance.

People tend to overestimate the energy cost of exercise, and underestimate the calorie content of food.

Take the necessary precautions.