Maintaining weight loss depends on how the brain responds to food, according to new research.

The study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that people who are able to maintain weight loss display different brain activity from those who put weight back on after dieting.

Lead author Jeanne McCaffery said: "Our findings shed some light on the biological factors that may contribute to weight loss maintenance."

Dr McCaffery added that the findings complement previous behavioural studies, which suggest "people who have maintained a long-term weight loss monitor their food intake closely and exhibit restraint in their food choices".

Each participant's brain activity was monitored while being shown pictures of a variety of low calorie, and high calorie food, in addition to non-food photos.

The findings showed that successful weight loss maintainers had increased activity in areas of the brain related to inhibition and control.

According to the NHS, the best way to lose weight is to combine a healthy balanced diet with regular exercise.

Exercising in women's fitness wear for 30 minutes a day, at least five days a week, fulfils the recommended amount of weekly exercise specified by the NHS. ADNFCR-2569-ID-19363803-ADNFCR

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