For the millions of people who seem to be forever chasing that extra 20 — or more — pounds, some news out of the American Heart Association may just inspire you not to lose faith.
AHA researchers say just losing weight, even if you slip away from your goal weight, is still doing your heart good. Plus the health benefits from the weight loss last for up to five years, even if you gain it back.
This runs contrary to previous thought that losing weight and regaining it actually worsens potential health problems.
Oxford University researchers say in reality, the evidence doesn’t back that up.
“Many doctors and patients recognize that weight loss is often followed by weight regain, and they fear that this renders an attempt to lose weight pointless,” says study co-senior author Susan A. Jebb, Ph.D., with University of Oxford. “This concept has become a barrier to offering support to people to lose weight.”
In other words, people give up the fight, fearing it’s a useless battle.
Instead, Jebb says the study confirmed, “For people with overweight or obesity issues, losing weight is an effective way to reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.”
Yes, even if the weight comes back.