I did not loose any weight. Fairly steady @ 173 +/- 2lb for the last 7 or so years.
I do other whole body stuff, Ju-jutsu, 2x week, often followed by some free weight work, summertime flat water kayaking for hours, walk 1/2 hour in hilly neighborhood 3 or 4 times a week. Of course it takes up time, benefit of retirement.
Common to both Jutsu and skating 2 or 3x/week, both of which I do for 1 to 1 1/2 hrs each time is the "feeling good for hours" afterwards.
This was not true for the first 2 months of skating. Initially spent a lot of energy just standing up and balancing. Trying to to get the hang of stroking, turning, going backwards, rinse repeat. Until a technique is learned, at least at the rudimentary level, I find I use far too many sets of muscles, thus using more energy than needed.
The more I learn, the more fun it becomes. Now if I ever get the waltz three down, skating will be downright entertaining. Then to work on making it look effortless.... Yeah dream on