Which is more important for weight loss and weight maintenance: diet or exercise? It’s a contentious issue in the media, among professionals and researchers working in obesity and, most of all, among Canadians seeking guidance on weight and health.

On May 12th, the Canadian Obesity Network – Réseau canadien en obésité (CON-RCO) Student and New Professional Initiative hosted two of Canada’s top experts and speakers on weight management for a 90-minute intellectual throw-down guaranteed to enlighten and entertain:

Dr. Yoni Freedhoff is Director of the Bariatric Medical Institute in Ottawa, Family Medicine Chair of the Canadian Obesity Network, an outspoken obesity advocate and a popular blogger.

Dr. Bob Ross is one of Canada’s best-known obesity researchers, having published seminal studies on the relationship between exercise, body weight, and body fat distribution. He is director of the Centre for Obesity Research and Education at Queen’s University, where he is also a full professor.

A video recording of the debate is available below.

Part 1: Dr. Robert Ross argues for exercise from Adrian J. Ebsary on Vimeo.

Part 2: Dr. Yoni Freedhoff argues for nutrition from Adrian J. Ebsary on Vimeo.

Part 3: Concluding statements and questions from Adrian J. Ebsary on Vimeo.