Energy balance
A consistent decline in daily energy expenditure is not the primary driver of the obesity epidemic; instead, increased energy intake is the dominant factor.
Focus on managing your energy intake (diet) as the primary lever for weight loss, rather than relying solely on increasing physical activity. While exercise is beneficial for health and can aid in weight maintenance, it is not the primary driver of the obesity epidemic, which is driven by increased food energy supply.
The idea that obesity is caused by consistent decline in daily energy expenditure is not supported either by objective measures of energy expenditure or physiological theory of weight gain alone. Clearly, obesity results from excessive energy intake that has sustained over a long period of time.
Why this rating
Supported by objective measures (doubly-labeled water) and meta-analyses of energy expenditure.
Source
The role of physical activity and exercise in obesity and weight management: Time for critical appraisal
Petri Wiklund · Journal of sport and health science/Journal of Sport and Health Science · 2016
DOI 10.1016/j.jshs.2016.04.001
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