You Don't Need To Exercise To Fight Obesity, Says Scientific Research

Did you know that in order to shed your weight, you don't need to do an iota of exercise?

The physical activity "myth" that three global experts are trying to bust is quite old, according to the British Journal of Sports Medicine. Hence, while exercise can fight diabetes, heart disease and dementia, its effect on obesity is "minimal".

Physical activity has little role in tackling obesity - and instead public health messages should squarely focus on unhealthy eating, the doctors say.

What is more important is the reduction of sugar and carbohydrates.

The team of experts, including London cardiologist Dr Aseem Malhotra, said that the food industry is trying to prop up the belief that exercise can bust obesity.

The team said that up to 40% of those who still are within a normal weight range continue to have disadvantageous metabolic problems that are associated with obesity.

"Researchers write that although regular exercise has many health benefits -- reducing the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and some forms of cancer by 30 percent -- it is our high caloric diets that lead to obesity," according to cbsnews.

Research shows that diabetes increases 11-fold for every 150 additional sugar calories consumed compared to fat calories.

Dr Malhotra said: "An obese person does not need to do one iota of exercise to lose weight, they just need to eat less. My biggest concern is that the messaging that is coming to the public suggests you can eat what you like as long as you exercise.

"That is unscientific and wrong. You cannot outrun a bad diet."

However, there is a counterargument to this. Prof Mark Baker, of the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence, said it would be "idiotic" to overrule the importance of exercise.

Ian Wright, director general at Food and Drink Federation, said: "The benefits of physical activity aren't food industry hype or conspiracy, as suggested. A healthy lifestyle will include both a balanced diet and exercise."

He added: "This article appears to undermine the origins of the evidence-based government public health advice, which must surely be confusing for consumers," he said.