U. S. researchers say that many who lose weight subsequently regain it, but exercise can maintain the health benefits of weight loss, such as lower blood pressure.

Overweight men and women were put on a diet and a supervised aerobic five-day-a-week exercise plan for 4-6 months by Tom R. Thomas, professor at the University of Missouri in Columbia, and colleagues.

Participants were separated into two groups after losing weight, one that exercised and one that didn't. Rapid deterioration in weight-loss induced benefits was experienced by the non-exercise group. In almost all measures, including oxygen consumption, blood pressure and glucose improvements was maintained by the exercise group.

The study further said that exercise didn't maintain blood cholesterol and abdominal fat loss.

Thomas said in a statement," Although many people are successful at losing weight through diet and exercise, the majority of them will relapse and regain the weight. The findings support the recommendations to continue exercising after weight loss, even if weight is regained." (With Inputs from Agencies)