Trimming those extra inches off your waist isn't the end of your battle with the bulge. Rebound weight remains a threat, reports Science Daily.

“The body has several defiance mechanisms against weight loss, such as increased hunger, lower energy metabolism, and relapse back to old habits,” explains researcher Erik Hemmingsson from the Karolinska University Hospital in Sweden. “If the problem of rebound weight gain didn't exist, obesity would be relatively easy to treat.”

There's no need to lose hope, however, as researchers report that there are methods that may help you keep unwanted weight at bay.

An analysis of 20 studies involving 3,017 participants who had lost most of their body fat after an intensive weight loss and low-calorie program showed that powdered meal replacements and a high protein diet may help reduce rebound weight gain. Anti-obesity drugs have also been proven to stop the relapse, but experts urge individuals to stick to natural options to keep the weight off.

If you’ve just dropped a significant number of pounds, consult your doctor about the best diet that can suit your body type and lifestyle. Supplementing your weight loss program with the right kind of food may help keep those inches off for good.

(Photo by David M. Goehring via Flickr Creative Commons)