Maintaining most of a weight loss still beneficial for those with type 2 diabetes

Although gaining back weight after losing it is common, few studies have compared the cardiovascular benefits of those who have lost — and regained weight — versus those who continued to maintain their weight loss. In a new paper, researchers looked at data from nearly 1,600 individuals with type 2 diabetes who had lost at least 3% of their initial body weight. Among those who lost 10% or more of their body weight, managing to keep off at least 75% of their weight loss for four years had the greatest health benefit, including improved blood pressure and levels of "good" cholesterol. In contrast, those who regained weight past this 25% threshold saw a deterioration of the cardiovascular benefits that they had earned when they lost weight.