Ninety percent of people who lose weight gain it back again within 12 months. Most lose the health benefits of weight loss, because they eat more and exercise less after the program. A University of Missouri study, led by Tom Thomas, showed that weight training during weight regain increased strength and muscle mass, while maintaining improvements in metabolic health. People lost 4-6 percent of bodyweight through caloric restriction and aerobic exercise.

After the weight-loss period, the subjects participated in a controlled 'weight regain' period, during which they lifted weights. During weight regain, no changes occurred in body fat percentage, waist circumference, aerobic capacity or blood sugar metabolism. Weight training is an effective way to maintain the health benefits of weight loss during weight regain.

(Journal Clinical Hypertension (Greenwich), 12: 64-72, 2010)