is it mandatory to exercise.....for weightloss

Looking for suggestions to get through bandster hell.....does everyone exercise and how often....I have been walking but have stopped in the last few weeks....haven't lost any weight...feeling discouraged....is this normal?

I do the exercise to get that feel good feeling after. I don't go crazy with it because I have bad knees but I walk 2 miles a day and gym 3 times a week. Also considering swimming when I can take the plunge to wear a swimsuit. Whether or not it contributes to my weight loss is consequential, it certainly contributes to my feel good factor and my knees don't creak so much either. If I labelled it as exercise I'd never do it, this is my time for me and makes me feel great! Happy walking x