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"The message of even maintaining weight is a very important preventive goal," says awachi. "If you can prevent adding a couple of pounds a year, it would translate into a health gain in terms of function, as well as known risk factors for cardiovascular and related health."

Being Overweight Increases Risks Of Health Disorders ------------------------------------------------------ Physicians know that being overweight increases risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and diabetes among other disorders.

The study cites national statistics showing that over past 15 years, average weight of Americans has increased by nearly eight pounds.

Of patients involved in study, close to 40% of women gained between 5 and 20 pounds, approximately 40% maintained their weight, and just over 15% lost between 5 and 20 pounds. The women ranged in age from 47 to 71, with an average age of 58, and were followed for four years.

Franca Alphin, director of Duke University Diet & Fitness Center, says learning to maintain weight is as important as taking it off.

"The majority of people know how to lose weight but not maintain weight loss," says Alphin. "The challenge to someone losing weight is to maintain weight, and challenge for people with normal weight is to maintain it." She says part of center's weight-loss program is defined periods of weigh maintenance. "When someone reaches their goal weight, typically other issues in their lives that have been on hold come back, and food can be reinstated as a crutch, so maintaining weight becomes more important."

The Bottom Line In Dieting Is Calories --------------------------------------------------------- Alphin advises a daily diet of 1,200-1,500 calories and an ultimate exercise goal of 30 minutes three or four days per week. "The bottom line in dieting is calories. You have to be aware of portions and over consumption regardless of what foods you choose to eat."

Source: WebMD