Having a balance of calorie intake will contribute ~80% to weight loss. Eating the right amount of food but not eating more than our body needs is key. Intake of excess calories leads to storage of these extra calories in the form of fat cells and leads to weight gain. For those with type 1 diabetes, portion control is a little more complicated. Because insulin is typically taken prior to eating, the person with diabetes cannot simply stop eating when they are full. Portion control must come as a choice prior to dosing insulin.

Physical activity impacts weight loss by about 20%.  However, it plays one of the most important roles in chronic disease prevention and management. Physical activity increases insulin sensitivity helping to decrease the amount of insulin required. Insulin is a hormone that facilitates the transport of glucose from the bloodstream to the cells to be used for energy. It also stimulates fat cells to take in glucose where stays for long-term storage. By controlling insulin intake, weight loss is accelerated.