INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Dr. Janel Gordon, WISH-TV Medical Expert, addresses the age-old question of whether diet or exercise is more important for weight loss.

With over 70% of US adults and 20% of US children dealing with excess weight, many wonder if a poor diet can be outrun by exercise. Dr. Gordon emphasizes that weight loss is complex, influenced by genetics, hormones, and environmental factors.

“Weight loss is very complicated—it’s not as simple as calories in vs calories out, Dr. Janel Gordon said.

Dr. Gordon recommends a whole food plant-based diet, similar to the Mediterranean diet, for long-term weight loss outcomes. She notes that half of US adults and children get their calories from ultra-processed foods, which lack essential nutrients.

For exercise, Dr. Gordon advises 150 minutes of moderate intensity cardio and two days of strength training per week. For those able to handle more vigorous activity, 75 minutes has been shown to be optimal.

Exercise is crucial for maintaining lost weight, and Dr. Gordon suggests pre-fueling with complex carbohydrates and refueling with healthy fats and lean protein.

While both diet and exercise play significant roles in weight loss, Dr. Gordon highlights the importance of a balanced approach, considering individual factors such as genetics and lifestyle.

This story was created from a script aired on WISH-TV. This story was formatted for WISHTV.com using AI-assisted tools. Our editorial team reviews and edits all content published to ensure it meets our journalistic standards for accuracy and fairness.

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