I have been exercising every other day for the last six weeks, but I am still not satisfied with my weight loss. Is exercise therefore a waste of time for weight control?

Despite the common view that an exercise-induced energy deficit will drive up hunger and increase energy (calorie) intake, evidence shows this is not the case, and that there is a role for exercise in weight loss and weight control.

So, what could be the cause of your disappointment? Maybe your expectations of losing weight quickly are too high. Weight loss is generally a very slow process unless food intake is cut too. In addition muscle weighs more than adipose tissue (fat) and so you may be losing your fat without necessarily seeing it reflected in the scales. You may also be making inappropriate food choices or rewarding yourself after exercise. Most people do not know how much energy can be expended by exercise, or taken in, by eating. Therefore, diet and exercise (active lifestyle) should be considered jointly when managing your weight.

So you should continue your exercise regimen not only to control body weight, but also to keep your body fit and for an overall healthy lifestyle.