Exercise and metabolic rate

While physical exercise causes the body to burn calories, it also helps to increase the resting metabolic rate (RMR).159 In addition it would compensate for the decrease in RMR caused by calorie-reduced diets mentioned above. Contrary to popular belief, strict dieting (very low calorie diets), and vigorous exercising are not good solutions either. These are short-term, temporary methods of weight loss that cause physical and mental stress, and may pose serious health risks. More importantly, participation in adequate nutrition and exercise programs, which are geared for gradual weight loss, is more effective and less stressful in the long run.