When it comes to losing weight, eating less is more effective than exercising more, according to new research.

A recent analysis of studies examining the relationship between physical activity and obesity in children found that being active is not the key determinant in whether a child is at an unhealthy weight, The New York Times reports.

Other studies of adults have shown that a physically active person is less likely to gain excess weight than a sedentary person. But exercise increases one’s appetite, and that may cause an increase in more calories consumed than expended through exercise,