Both dieting and cycling can be classed as heavyweights in their own right.
Here we put them head to head, toe to toe.

For anyone trying to lose weight for whatever reason, embarking on a diet or fitness regime can be daunting.

The main reason people chose to lose weight is for health and not appearance.

It is well documented, that being overweight increases the chances of health problems and even death.

Obesity is now acknowledged as the primary risk factor in coronary heart disease which can lead to heart attack.

According to the American Heart Association, type 2 diabetes is twice as likely in a person who has gained between 11 - 18 pounds, as opposed to someone who has not.

Some cancers have been associated with being overweight and obese.

It is not surprising then that so many of us try to lose those excess pounds.

Let's take a look at the pros and con's of both dieting and cycling in our quest to shed those extra pounds.

Round 1

Dieting
Pro.... Losing weight will benefit your health.
Con.... Losing weight too quickly can hinder your health.

Cycling
Pro.... Is extremely good for your health.
Con.... It makes you sweat.

Round 2

Dieting
Pro.... You will feel energized when you lose weight.
Con.... It can weaken your immune system as you may not be consuming enough essential nutrients.

Cycling
Pro.... Cycling regularly can give you fitness levels of someone 10 years younger according to the National Forum for Coronary Heart Foundation in the US.
Con.... You can look weird in lycra.

Round 3

Dieting
Pro.... Healthy diets can lower cholesterol levels.
Con.... Quite a lot of diets out there are far from healthy.

Cycling

Pro.... You can lose weight just peddling. A lot of people start of by running, and this can be a huge burden on an overweight persons frame. Let the saddle take the strain and you can peddle your fat away.
Con....If it rains, you get wet.

Round 4

Dieting
Pro.... Your self esteem will improve when you reach your target weight.
Con.... Your self esteem will hit rock bottom when you don't reach your target weight.

Cycling
Pro.... You can burn fat after your ride has finished. Sports physiologists believe the body's metabolic rate (its ability to efficiently burn calories and fat) is increased during a ride and remains so for several hours.
Con....On occasion may require a lot of effort.

Round 5

Dieting
Pro.... A diet can be relatively easy to fit into your daily routine.
Con.... Some diets call for major lifestyle changes and are extremely hard to do.

Cycling
Pro.... You can get the whole family involved, join a club and meet likeminded people who can offer you the wisdom of their experience.
Con.... Wind and rain can be responsible for bad hair days.

I could go on, but I think at this point the corner man in the diet camp will have thrown the towel in.

In conclusion, a combination of a good, healthy, balanced diet and regular cycling would be overall champion.

Cycling can be done by almost everyone and is a great means to lose weight and gain fitness.

If the weather is not good enough to go out, you can always use an indoor cycle.

Most gyms will be equipped with stationery/spinning bikes and lots of people use them at home.

In my opinion, getting out and about on your bike is best, but don't dismiss indoor training, which, sometimes can be the only way to keep those peddles moving.

Lose Weight, Get Fit, Cycle!

Please note the opinions in this article are the authors own, and do not wholly or partially represent any medical or professional opinions.
If you are considering a fitness/weigh loss regime, or are considering increasing your activity, you should first consult your medical professional.