The question is "important for what?" I lost 100 pounds without ever exercising regularly. I am now walking every morning. I only started about a month ago but I find I look forward to it. It improves my mood and I can't help but think it improves my health. So the question is "what are you trying to accomplish?". If you are only interested in weight loss than exercise does not seem to be necessary. If you are looking to improve your overall health, both mental and physical, than it probably is important. It really is up to you to choose what's important to you.

Jean