Study Sheds Light On Effective Strategies For Keeping Weight Off After Successful Dieting

Dieters who have successfully lost weight can prevent the return of unwanted pounds by using anti-obesity drugs, meal replacements or a high-protein diet, according to new Swedish research. Scientists combined the data from 20 clinical studies involving more than 3,000 participants, who were either obese or overweight prior to dieting. The studies analyzed the impact of drugs, meal replacements, high protein diets, dietary supplements and exercise on rebound weight gain after completing low-calorie diets (less than 1,000 calories a day). Researchers found that anti-obesity drugs were effective but risky. In fact, the most effective drugs were are no longer on the market. However, “Meal replacement products and high protein diets are effective and available to everyone," they concluded.