It was brought up at the WW meeting we had. the leader says no, I say yes. What is your opinion?

Seems like a position hardly even worth responding to.

Your leader said no?..... Uhm, I beg to differ.

A silly position, however, it may be that they meant to say that most weight loss happens in the kitchen. ie. no matter how much you exercise, you won't lose weight if you don't control your diet. This is something that a lot of people don't get. You can eat healthier, exercise, and not lose weight. Mainly because it will make you hungrier, and people sometimes think it's okay to eat a little more 'because they exercised'.

Having said that, I eat more on days I lift weights... however, it's still keeping my overall calories in a deficit.

Important for what?

You can lose weight without physical activity (bed-bound coma patients often do).

But for health, exercise may be even more important than weight loss for many people. (A mildly overweight person eating a balanced diet, who is very athletic, can be healthier than most thinner follks who don't exercise and eat poorly).

That being said, people have to start somewhere, and if exercise is intimidating, starting with just dieting can get some people started. Just as they could start with exercise, because changing their diet seems too daunting (though it's very difficult to lose any weight with exercise alone, other noticeable health benefits can be achieved).

Weight Watcher's, while their program is excellent, is ultimately a business. Bottom line - it's good for business to say that exercise isn't necessary, because that position appeals to more potential clients. Obviously it will appeal to people who refuse to exercise or who believe they don't have time, or some other excuse. However, the people who DO believe that exercise is necessary, probably won't quit over the leader's statement, they'll just continue to exercise (and secretly feel a bit superior to all the rest).

Just another ignorant leader! There are good ones and bad ones. For any leader to say that fitness is not important is not doing anyone in their group any good. Losing weight is calories in vs calories burned. But the physical benefits of getting into shape and moving out weighs the movement on the scale!

JMO

Exercising is one of the 8 Healthy Guidelines that comprise the backbone of the current WW program. What your leader told you doesn't even jive with the official WW position.

If you want to look good naked-Then Yes.