to think you also need to exercise to lose a lot of weight?

[BobbysBeardOfWonder]

My DH is dieting, he has quite a lot of weight to lose (at least 5 stone). He currently has no plans for formal exercise, although intends walking a little more once the snow shifts. This walking would amount to around 30 minutes split into two (ie walking to/from station each day).

Is this achievable?! I think he's deluding himself to be honest, but I don't want to say it quite so bluntly. He 'has no time' for the gym, and in any case is too tired at the end of each day (partly due to being so overweight I suppose).

He's doing well so far on his diet (Primal/paleo) but it's only been 10 days. I hope I don't come across badly about this, as I really am supporting him fully, but I can't help but think doing a little bit extra would make a massive difference to his weight loss, and to his energy levels.

And PS - the walking plan sounds absolutely great for starters!

I never lost weight by exercising. And I exercised - 30-40 miles of walking a week and not a sausage. I assumed I was just somebody who held onto their weight. But then last year I tried MyFitnessPal - basically calorie counting - and the weight just fell off for the first time in my life - it was a real eye opener.

To echo most other posters - exercise does not usually help a lot with weight loss for the reasons others have given, but it DOES make you feel a lot better in every area of your life and is worth it for that alone.

Ok thanks for the replies. I think I assumed doing more exercise would help motivate him more, thereby speeding up his weight loss...
I think it's hard for him starting as heavy as he is; his target weight is what other men would start from.

I'll just encourage more walking for now then

I gymed 4 or 5 times a week for 4 months, toned up a bit, but only lost a few pounds. Have joined weightwatchers, now have lost 7lb in two weeks :S it's obviously a combination of both, but he;s doing the right thing incorporating exercise into his daily life. There's a saying on my gym wall:

Motivation is what gets you started, habbit is what keeps you going

By walking to work more etc is a habbit, rather than planning on going to the gym five times a week isn't realistic as a life style change for most people unless you're a lazy student like me