[ch4s3]

I don't know why anyone here has the idea that I'm arguing that exercise alone is key for weight loss. I have very clearly only claimed that all else equal increasing exertion will lead to a calorie deficit.

> While you're right that exercise can help on the margin, it's just not a useful intervention that moves the needle much as far as weight loss goes.

There's more to exercise than just the thermodynamic effects of calorie expenditure. Building muscle and/or cardiovascular capacity will improve your quality of life and will complement any weight loss. You can improve your mental health by becoming more physically active, and this is well established. Those mental health gains and physical health improvements make it easier to maintain a better diet. Beyond the marginal, but significant calorie expenditures you can create a positive feedback loop.