It's a classic weight loss plan: eat less food and exercise more. And it is so logical that it should work, right? So why is it that the popular HCG diet plan that is the accepted solution for many who suffer the ill effects of obesity or near obesity or just extra weight strongly urges its dieters to give their exercise regime a rest while on the diet?

Susan B., HCG Diet Direct dieter, says, "The discouragement of exercise was a definite turn off for me. But it's because I didn't get it. Once I understood the physiological effects of the program it absolutely made sense. I missed my exercise regime, but I understood the need to take it easy. And once I got into the maintenance phase I started it back up again."

The specific physiological effects of the HCG make the body feel as if its getting plenty of food. But in reality, dieters are only eating approximately 500 calories. This limited caloric intake is simply not enough to support an intense workout.

Dieters who insist on incorporating a workout while on the HCG diet could inhibit their weight loss. While limited amounts of exercise are okay (20 minutes of walking, for instance) intense workouts just aren't supportable. Exercise increases hunger.

And on top of that...the combination of the low calorie diet and the exercise could cause the body to go into starvation mode; holding onto the weight you're trying to lose. It has a negative impact by lowering your stamina and many lose their commitment to the diet plan.

HCG dieters who were upset by the lack of exercise incorporated in the program eventually realized that the weight loss and fat loss were worth the lack of exercise. When they got back to the gym they had better work outs than ever before. The weight loss leaves you with more energy and you'll feel the effects of a more healthy weight as you pick up your exercise regime where you left off.