See my reference [2] for the 60 studies analyzed plus the 9 specialists interviewed. It's not about not recommending exercise, but about the fastest way to get back to a more healthy weight, then add exercise to complement and maintain.
If a subject is already severely overweight, adding exercise could compound the risks.
>The researchers behind the study found that people who have had success losing weight have a few things in common: They weigh themselves at least once a week. They restrict their calorie intake, stay away from high-fat foods, and watch their portion sizes. They also exercise regularly.
From your reference.
>If a subject is already severely overweight, adding exercise could compound the risks.
I can see how this would make sense, but for people who are living a sedentary lifestyle and are only moderately overweight, I find it hard to believe that exercise is a bad idea, even if it were to somewhat slow their weight loss progress (and this is without getting into "weight" loss vs. fat loss, which is what really matters)
If a subject is already severely overweight, adding exercise could compound the risks.