Obesity and Exercise Have ‘No Special Relationship’

Three renowned international experts claim that physical exercise plays a
minimal role in reducing obesity, thus public health messages should primarily
focus on reducing unhealthy food intake. In a new study published in the
British Journal of Sports Medicine, the experts state that “it’s time to
debunk the myths surrounding exercise.”

The experts assert that while exercise is crucial for preventing diseases
like diabetes, heart disease, and cognitive decline, its effects on obesity are
negligible. Instead, obesity is more closely linked to the consumption of
sugary and starchy foods. Dr. Aseem Malhotra, a cardiologist from London and a
member of this international team, alleges that the food and beverage industry
encourages people to believe they can counteract the adverse effects of
unhealthy foods through exercise.

The experts compare the tactics of the food industry to those of the tobacco
industry, calling the similarities “dangerously striking.” They argue
that advertisements featuring famous athletes promoting sugary drinks and other
unhealthy foods should be stopped.

Additionally, they point out that 40% of individuals with normal weight also
suffer from conditions commonly associated with obesity. Despite this, public
health messages continue to propagate the “false” notion that weight
can be maintained simply by balancing calorie intake, neglecting the importance
of the source of these calories. Research indicates that an additional 150
calories from sugar increases the risk of developing diabetes 11 times more
than the same amount of calories from fat.

In their article, the experts reference another study highlighting that the
connection between unhealthy food and poor health is stronger than the link
between poor health and physical inactivity, alcohol consumption, or smoking.

Unscientific Claims

Dr. Malhotra emphasizes that “overweight individuals do not need to
exercise even a bit to lose weight; instead, they should eat less.” He
expresses concern that people are being misled to believe they can eat whatever
they want as long as they exercise, which he deems “completely
unscientific and incorrect.”

However, many experts disagree with Dr. Malhotra and his team, arguing that
downplaying the role of exercise could be dangerous. Professor Mark Baker from
the National Institute of Health describes denying the importance of physical
exercise as “foolish.”

A spokesperson for the Food and Drinks Association in the UK counters that
their industry is not conspiring against exercise. She states, “We believe
that a balanced diet and exercise are both essential for a healthy life.”
According to the spokesperson, the article published in the British Journal of
Sports Medicine seems to undermine public health efforts based on scientific
research, potentially causing consumers to doubt the benefits of exercise.