I realize that this discussion is focused on obesity, but the above response comes out every time weight loss is discussed. It may well be accurate in many cases, but I don't think it encompasses the full picture of health. For example, smoking has shown to aid weight loss, but the outcome of taking up smoking is a skinnier person with a new set of comorbidities.

If the desired outcome is an improved quality of life, exercise has a plethora of mental-health benefits [0], cardiovascular and energy improvements[1], and has negative correlations with some of the risk-factors of obesity, like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and some cancers [1][2].

I would hate for someone to read the common response and conclude that since obesity is causing their problems and weight loss seems more affected by diet changes, that exercise doesn't matter and can be safely skipped. To have a different life a lifestyle change is needed.

[0] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1470658/ [1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6172294/ [2] https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-dept...

Yes, exercise is good for you, and you should do it. But we should be realistic about what exercise can do and can't do.

Indeed it's a heck of a lot easier to not eat 500 calories than to burn off 500 calories.

Running a 5k doesn't even burn 500 calories for most people, but you can eat that much in snacks without a second thought. To really make a difference in weight the much more important side of the equation is intake.

It get worse. Apparently, your body adjust its basal metabolism over the long term in response to daily physical activity.

While I am not completely convinced that it works to greatly improve fitness, I can attest that the low heart rate running approach (google Maffetone:180 - age) approach does not seem to increase appetite at all.