My N=1 experiment tells me that I've always been at my lowest weight when I was doing what I consider a huge amount of exercise: running or jogging, weight training, spinning, and other strenuous cardio routines, four or more days a week.

Now into my 70s, I continue a regular routine of resistance exercise--mostly for flexibility, leg and back strength. It isn't the "calorie burning" I used to do. Walking helps when the weather cooperates--but it's clear how discouraging "too cold," "too hot," and "pouring rain" can be. I doubt that a return to "goal weight" will be one of the results.

So, yes, exercise enhances a weight management effort. But like all sustained health practices, it takes commitment and time we can't always muster.