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What really works for fat loss?

After 70 years of scientific research spanning thousands of studies and millions of participants, the truth is both simpler and more nuanced than the fitness industry would have you believe.

Forget the latest fat loss hack or magic supplement. After 70 years of rigorous research (thousands of studies spanning from NASA's bedrest experiments in the 1970s to today's landmark trials), science has identified 7 key principles that determine fat loss success.

These aren't TikTok trends or new theories. They're evidence-based principles proven over and over again in controlled studies, meta-analyses, and real-world applications.

Main Takeaways:

• A calorie deficit remains non-negotiable for fat loss, but the method to create it is highly flexible
• Protein preserves muscle and controls hunger through multiple mechanisms
• Resistance training beats cardio for body composition every single time
• Diet adherence matters more than diet type when calories are controlled
• NEAT (non-exercise activity) can swing your daily calorie burn by up to 2,000 calories
• Muscle mass serves as your metabolic insurance policy for long-term success
• Sustainable approaches always beat aggressive "quick fix" methods

Episode Resources:

• Try MacroFactor for free with code WITSANDWEIGHTS
• Download our popular ebook, Ultimate Macros Guide
• Related episode: The 3+3 Optimal Model of Fat Loss

Timestamps:

0:01 - 70 years of research distilled into 7 principles
3:28 - Principle #1: A calorie deficit is required
7:23 - Principle #2: Protein is king
11:13 - Principle #3: Resistance training is best for body composition
15:45 - Principle #4: Diet adherence beats diet type
19:56 - Principle #5: NEAT can make or break your deficit
25:09 - Principle #6: Muscle mass is your fat loss insurance policy
29:39 - Principle #7: Sustainability vs. speed
35:36 - How these principles work together for life optimization

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