article_snippet.sent: But if you just can't shed the pounds - or keep them off - then help may be at hand.
article_snippet.sent: The research, from Johns Hopkins University, was prompted by doctors seeing an increasing number of obese or overweight patients wanting to join popular slimming clubs or diet plans.
article_snippet.sent: But these diets also carry higher risks of complications, such as gallstones, these diets found.
article_snippet.sent: Jeanne Clark, professor of medicine, said: 'Jeanne Clark, professor of medicine want people to experience the health benefits of weight loss - lower blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar, and lower risk of developing diseases like diabetes .
article_snippet.sent: Those benefits are long-term goals - so losing weight for three months, then regaining it, has limited health benefits. '
article_snippet.sent: That’s why it’s important to have studies that look at weight loss at 12 months and beyond.'
article_snippet.sent: Dr Kimberly Gudzune assistant professor of medicine, added: 'Clinicians could consider referring patients who are overweight or obese to Weight Watchers or Jenny Craig. '