It’s hard to create a significant calorie deficit through exercise
Kevin Hall of the National Institutes of Health created the Healthy Body Weight Planner, which provides a more realistic weight loss measure than the old 3,500-calorie rule. This model shows that a regular exercise program does not lead to significant weight loss.
This model shows that an exercise program is good for maintaining weight loss, but exercise is not very effective for losing weight. Kevin Hall says a lot of exercise, time, and will power is needed for someone to burn enough calories for weight loss. Yet, maintaining weight loss does not require that much energy.
For example, his model shows that a hypothetical 200-pound man would only lose five pounds if he does 60 minutes of medium-intensity running for four days a week for 30 days. During this time he can maintain his normal calorie intake. An increase in food intake or more rest in between workouts would prevent him from losing five pounds during this time. If this man wanted to lose more than five pounds, it would require him to put in a lot more time and effort in his exercise routine.
