If we are to look at the exercise vs. diet debate in an "either, or" situation, then most experts agree that diet is the more important factor. Some put the number at 80% to 20% in favor of diet, while others believe it is closer to 70/30. Exercise is crucial for improving circulation, building and maintaining muscles and keeping your joints healthy, but where weight loss is concerned, diet takes the lead.

Many avid gym-goers will likely dispute these opinions, but you didn't become overweight or obese because you spent too little time exercising. It was because of the types of food and amounts of food you put in your mouth each day. This becomes evident when your calorie intake is restricted for some reason, like with bariatric surgery. Obese patients that have weight loss surgery lose massive amounts of weight and it's due to their smaller stomachs and the inability to take in high amounts of calories.

Ideally, you want to create a balanced mix of diet and exercise to reach your weight loss goals and keep your body strong and flexible. Good health is about much more than what the numbers say on your bathroom scale. Simply losing weight doesn't mean you are a healthy person, so make a point of incorporating both exercise and dietary changes into your daily routine.

When you start moving your body more and modifying your eating habits, you will create new habits and routines that will be easier to stick to over the long-term. If it has been years since you have exercised and you have a lot of weight to lose, simply walking on a daily basis will get the ball rolling and point you in the right direction.

If you get confused and overwhelmed by all the diet products and advice out there, simply eating more slowly, chewing your food well and putting down your fork in between mouthfuls can help you eat less and lose weight. If you stop eating as soon as you begin to feel full, you will lower your caloric intake and have a greater chance at success.