Exercising and doing sports can support weight loss, but not to the extent which is portrayed everywhere [1]. Many clinical studies also use physical activity and sports to promote weight loss but physical activity has a much greater impact on health. For example, being physically active improves insulin resistance, glucose tolerance and vascular function [2]. In a research context it would make more sense to focus in the health benefits of sport and exercise and to put them in an appropriate context [1]. Ultimately, weight loss requires a combination of exercise, diet and behavior change strategies [2].
1. Kelly, A. S. (2015). Debunking the myth: Exercise is an effective weight loss treatment. Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews, 43(1). https://doi.org/10.1249/JES.0000000000000036
2. Shaibi GQ, Ryder JR, Kim JY, Barraza E. Exercise for obese youth: refocusing attention from weight loss to health gains. Exerc. Sport Sci. Rev. 2015; 43 (1): 41–47.