Weight gain - redistribution of fat?

[Zen]

it's a combination of activity and diet. lifestyle being a major contributor. a sedentary life will result in more weight gain. walking and swimming are supposed to be 2 of the best excercises (next to cycling of course )

Put all forms of exercise into one of three categories - good, better or best.
Of the three, swimming would only rate a good. Cycling and walking/running raise body temps which in turn lowers appetite. Swimming doesn't raise body temps and swimmers can tend to overeat after a workout if they're not careful.
Any form of exercise, be it swimming, walking or weight-training, is good if the alternative is doing nothing. A mixture of some form of resistance exercise and cardiovascular exercise is better, while combining interval exercise (spin class or cycling with hills) and free weights - in my opinion at least - is the best way to get in shape
Losing weight is all about burning more calories than you eat. Any form of exercise, swimming included, will get the job done.
If you enjoy swimming, then stick with it. It's more important to be consistent with an exercise program you enjoy than to be inconsistent with one you hate. Just make sure to guard against the urge to eat more after you get out of the pool.

[Tuckervill]

You're right! Consistency is the greatest asset you can have! Just keep doing it, whatever it is, so long as it is exercise!

Karen