Exercise is necessary for both weight loss and long-term health

 Yes, you can lose many pounds without exercising at all. But if you want to look good when you re done losing, you had better make some effort to tone your muscles! Your skin is much more likely to shrink back into shape when you lose weight in combination with exercise.

Exercise is as addicting as anything else, and much more rewarding. Find something that you enjoy (or at least don't hate doing), even if it's just walking, and incorporate it into your life. As your weight decreases and your health improves, you can increase intensity and change your workouts. The most important thing right now is to establish a routine.