I generally agree with you, but I do want to point out that while we often talk about losing weight, what we really want to lose is fat, and exercise absolutely can help with that. Past a certain point I've personally found it very hard to sustainably eat less, but easy to put on significant muscle at the same calorie budget, so while my weight has been stable for years, my body fat % has significantly decreased.
Exercise can also absolutely increase base metabolic rate leading to weight loss; you still have to put up with a calorie deficit, which is the hardest part of losing weight, but you won't need to change your actual eating habits as much, which can make the social aspect easier.
Exercise can also absolutely increase base metabolic rate leading to weight loss; you still have to put up with a calorie deficit, which is the hardest part of losing weight, but you won't need to change your actual eating habits as much, which can make the social aspect easier.