Contrary to popular belief, exercise alone does not help people lose weight, according to a recent study.

Researchers at Loyola University Health System found that although physical activity has many health benefits, ranging from reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer to improving mental health and mood, it is not a key factor in losing weight, The Daily Mail reported.

"Physical activity is crucially important for improving overall health and fitness levels, but there is limited evidence to suggest that it can blunt the surge in obesity," public health scientists Richard S. Cooper, MD and Amy Luke wrote in their study.

Cooper and Luke have been studying the link between physical activity and obesity for years by reviewing clinical trials and observational studies. When they started their research, they assumed that physical activity would prove key to losing weight.

However, they found that when people increase their physical activity, their appetite increases and they compensate by eating more food. . So with or without increasing physical activity, calorie control remains key to losing or maintaining weight.

"This crucial part of the public health message is not appreciated in recommendations to be more active, walk up stairs and eat more fruits and vegetables," the researchers said. "The prescription needs to be precise: There is only one effective way to lose weight -- eat fewer calories."

The food and beverage industry has tried to divert attention from calorie consumption by promoting the theory that lack of physical exercise is a major cause of obesity. For example, earlier this month, the New York Times recently reported that Coca-Cola, the world's largest producer of sugary beverages, "is backing a new 'science-based' solution to the obesity crisis: To maintain a healthy weight, get more exercise and worry less about cutting calories."

The findings are detailed in the International Journal of Epidemiology.