Originally Posted by
RubeRad
I have to respectfully witness that it is not always the case. I have been bike commuting for 17 mo now and am the same weight as when I started. My commute is much shorter (about 5.5 mi each way), flatter (300ft ascent in the morning, negligible ascent on the way home), and I am lazy so I don't work that hard, it's really like taking a walk. So weight loss depends on how much effort you put into your riding.
Yes, cycle comuting doesn't always result in weight loss. But it doesn't hurt. It's even possible to gain weight while riding an hour a day.
OTOH- cycling even that little, or at low effort levels, generally replace some body fat with muscle, so even at the same weight, you're still healthier.
Weight is a poor indicator of condition, and over emphasized because there's not an easier index, but I'll venture that a 250# football player is likely fitter than most people with very favorable BMIs. Proponents of the BMI even had to come up with a category -- the fit fat -- to get around the statistical issues with the system.
IMO, those Clydesdales who take up biking should focus less on the scale, and more on their belt size. This will usually show more progress and be less discouraging than the scale.