If you need some encouragement to lose weight, then keep reading. In a landmark new study, researchers determined that weight loss at any age during adulthood provides lasting cardiovascular benefits, even if it is not sustained. The findings are from a UK-based study that monitored the body weight and health of 1,273 men and women from birth through age 65. The study is unique because it followed a large group of people for such a long time. As expected, the researchers noted that the longer a person was exposed to excess body fat, the greater their chances of developing cardiovascular risk factors later in life-including high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and thickened arteries. A novel finding from this study, however, was the sustained cardiovascular benefit attributed to even transient, modest reductions in body weight. Study subjects who went from obese to overweight, or overweight to normal weight, continued to enjoy a healthier cardiovascular profile, despite weight regain in the future. (The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology in italics 2014;DOI: 10.1016/s2213-8587(14)70103-2)

This is encouraging news and consistent with other studies that have shown lasting protection from type 2 diabetes with modest adult weight loss, even if not maintained. Of course, the best results come from permanent weight loss.  Click here to see and download my best advice for losing weight for good.