Exercise is an important component of any effective weight loss program due to the resultant burning of calories. However, exercise alone has not been found to be an effective means of weight-loss and only works if combined with restriction of caloric intake with procedures such as the Lap-Band. For example, if you exercise at full intensity on a treadmill or elliptical for 30 minutes you will likely burn approximately 300 calories. These calories can be very quickly consumed by eating a chocolate bar or having a mixed alcoholic drink. Exercise is very important to enhance cardiovascular fitness and minimize weight gain, no matter what your BMI is, but cannot be relied upon as a weight loss tool in isolation.

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