9 Weight Loss Secrets the Diet Industry Doesn't Want You to Know | Health and Wellness | AlterNet:

"Even if you're not trying to lose weight, chances are you've seen some ideas on how to do so:

'Eat what you want and lose weight!'
'Lose thirty pounds in thirty days!'
'Finally, a diet that really works!'
'Lose one jean size every seven days!'
'Top three fat burners revealed'
'Ten minutes to a tighter tummy!'

But these claims are readily rebuked by anyone who's tried to lose five, ten, or one hundred pounds. Losing weight ain't that easy. It's not in a pill, it doesn't (usually) happen in thirty days, and judging from the myriad plans out there, there is no one diet that works for everyone.

Looking past the outrageous claims, there are a few hard truths the diet/food industry isn't going to tell you, but might just help you take a more realistic approach to sustained weight loss.

1. You have to exercise more than you think.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends getting at least thirty minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week; this includes things like shoveling snow and gardening. And while this is great for improving heart health and staying active, research indicates that those looking to lose weight or maintain weight loss have to do more -- about twice as much."