Exercise Is Good For You, But It Doesn’t Help You Shed Pounds

The authors of a U.S. study that analyzed data on the relationship between exercise and obesity say there is no doubt physical activity is beneficial to humans, but “there is limited evidence to suggest that it can blunt the surge in obesity.” In other words, they argue, limiting calorie intake, with or without exercise, is the only way to shed pounds. A large number of clinical trials have shown that exercise plus calorie restriction achieves the same weight loss as calorie restriction alone. The key reason? Increasing your physical activity tends to increase your appetite. That leads to eating more food, and gaining – or simply not losing – weight.