> This paradox challenges the common belief that more exercise equates to more calories burned and consequently, more weight loss.

This is pretty obvious if you have ever done strength training/tried to lose weight. Working out makes you really hungry. It is a lot easier to lose weight while not exercising just by only eating when you are hungry, and not eating garbage. I've heard it called "inuitive eating".

This is also why I personally don't believe in bulking. You should just hit your macros and try to progress naturally. If you do cycles of cutting and bulking you are really just making your progress inconsistent and fucking up your digestive tract. Controversial opinion I know.