Quotes of the Day

Re "The Myth About Exercise" [Aug. 17]: I must take issue with some of the points portrayed as fact. Numerous studies have shown that exercise is indeed central to an effective weight-loss program. The key concept is a simple equation of energy balance: calories expended throughout the day must exceed calories consumed as food. And contrary to the data selected for your article, studies have shown that most exercisers are not uncontrollably hungry after a workout. We strongly encourage reporting that portrays both sides of an issue so readers can decide for themselves — instead of being led down a potentially harmful path.
James Pivarnik, President, AMERICAN COLLEGE OF SPORTS MEDICINE, INDIANAPOLIS

This is one of the best articles i have ever read on the subject. I have maintained for years that exercise contributes very little to weight loss, but I could never have explained it so eloquently. My reasons for exercising are all the other ones listed by Cloud.
William Jenner, ALBUQUERQUE

Cloud fails to emphasize the basic premise behind any effective exercise program, that nutrition is 50% of the target. For years we have been told how to exercise but not how to eat better foods. There is another factor, and it is cultural. In a country where all-you-can-eat offers are everywhere, portion control is derided in favor of what is seen as a birthright: to eat big. America needs not just to exercise but to eat less and better foods.
Waldo Martin, FRANKFURT, GERMANY

Cloud's article misses the point that if you eat the same amount, exercise will make you lose weight. He seems to imply that it is impossible not to eat more. However, the same motivation that keeps you exercising can keep you aware of your diet; these go hand in hand.
Jason Anderson, BRUSSELS

Having read your article while at the gym, I have to say I felt disheartened. While I enjoy exercise and understand its benefits, I can imagine that anyone who exercises purely for weight loss or maintenance would have found in your article a strong incentive to give up. Who knows what health problems they could have prevented by continuing to exercise?
Caitriona McPartlin, DUBLIN

Muffins or similar can make me gain 1 to 2 kg overnight, even if I increase my exercise trying to melt them off. But last January I caught flu, which made me lose my appetite. In four days I lost 2 kg with no exercise at all.
Lia Zampedri, BRESCIA, ITALY

Making a Move on Health Care
Ramesh Ponnuru makes the case that President Barack Obama's health-care plan might fail because it is filled with contradictions [Aug. 17]. It may not be perfect, but it is a program most Americans support. I think we have failed our system, not the other way around. We send people to Washington to do our work. Sadly, they don't provide us with the results we want. Instead, lobbyists for corporations get what they want. While we like to hold our system as a standard around the world, it is just not giving the results. So let us look hard at our system — and at ourselves.
Tom Edgar, BOISE, IDAHO, U.S.

The Kids' Journalism Is Alright
Your story on Ann Arbor's changing media landscape incorrectly noted that the Michigan Daily — of which I am the editor-in-chief — doesn't cover the town [Aug. 17]. A quick glance at MichiganDaily.com would have revealed that the Daily does cover Ann Arbor politics and business along with its extensive coverage of the University of Michigan. We were, in fact, the only publication in the city to officially endorse candidates in recent city-council elections. The Daily may not be a new online operation promising to solve journalism's financial woes, but it has been a consistent and credible source of news in Ann Arbor for more than 119 years.
Gary Graca, ANN ARBOR, MICH., U.S.

• Making a Move on Health Care; The Kids' Journalism Is Alright