Exercise is not necessary for weight loss, that's a myth made up by the fitness industry. The Soviets (and eastern bloc countries) are big on sports in school and sports facilities for the public. In America, the "fitness culture" is just for people with money who can afford gym memberships. Same goes for the ridiculous fancy ass fad diets. It's bullshit and Americans have been getting fatter since the fitness fad started in the early 80s, so there's that.  Exercising voluntarily is a ridiculous concept in many other cultures.  Because they are active most of the time, not sitting on their asses all day.