The study published in the April edition of American Psychologist says that a comprehensive review of dieting research has indicated that dieting does not work.

UCLA associate professor of psychology and lead author of the study, Doctor Traci Mann stated that "You can initially lose 5 to 10 percent of your weight on any number of diets, but then the weight comes back."

According to Doctor Mann, between 33 to 66 percent of the people who dieted regained more that what they lost within 4 to 5 years.

Through a comprehensive analysis of studies that followed people on diets for 2 to 5 years, the researchers discovered that it would have been better for most of those on diet to not go on the diet at all.

A co-author of the study, UCLA psychology graduate Janet Tomiyama, also said that "Several studies indicate that dieting is actually a consistent predictor of future weight gain."

The researchers warned that the reality of the situation could actually be even worse since statistical figures make diet studies look better than they are by no reflecting the reality.

Cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes and altered immune function are among the health hazards brought about by repeated weight loss and regain, Dr. Mann cautioned. - Iran Press and Agency Reports