I want to lose weight? Cut calories or add exercise?

BOTH! Consuming fewer calories through dietary changes seems to promote weight loss more effectively than does exercise and physical activity. But physical activity is also important in weight control. The key to weight loss is burning more calories than you consume. Because 3,500 calories equals about 1 pound of fat, you need to burn 3,500 calories more than you take in to lose 1 pound. So if you cut 500 calories from your typical diet each day, you'd lose about 1 pound a week. Exercise plus calorie restriction can help give you the weight-loss edge. Exercise can help burn off the excess calories you can't cut through diet alone. Exercise also offers numerous health benefits, including boosting your mood, strengthening your cardiovascular system and reducing your blood pressure. Exercise can also help in maintaining weight loss. Studies show that people who maintain their weight loss over the long term get regular physical activity. In contrast, people who lose weight by crash dieting or by drastically reducing their calories to 400 to 800 a day are likely to regain weight quickly, often within six months after they stop dieting. So do yourself a favor and if you are looking to lose weight do so the healthy way, start by making small changes in your eating plan (fruits and vegetables; whole grains), and make sure you are getting at least 30 minutes of aerobic work into your routine and some strength as well. There is no quick fix for weight lose if you want it you need to work so get to it!