New research shows that exercise is not the main way to lose weight, but it is very important for keeping weight off. Scientists studied over 1,100 people and found that while exercise helps only a little with losing weight at first, it is key to preventing people from regaining weight.

This happens because when someone loses weight, their body burns fewer calories than before. This can make it easier to put weight back on. Regular exercise helps by keeping the body’s metabolism higher, making it easier to control weight.

The main result is that people who continue to exercise after losing weight are much more likely to keep the weight off. Experts now say that around 115 minutes of vigorous exercise per week, like cycling or fast walking, helps people keep their new weight.