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Losing weight can be a battle, but so is keeping it off. Around 80% of folks with overweight or obesity eventually regain some or all of what they lost in 1.5 to 5 years. Wouldn't it be great if there were some way to prevent this frustrating and health-damaging reality? Well, there is.

You want to make sure that you're focused on lifestyle habits that help keep the pounds off, like a plant-based diet -- and that you up your step count to 8,500 a day. That's the conclusion of a study in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health that looked at data from nearly 4,000 adults. Some were in lifestyle programs and some were dieting alone or not receiving any treatment. (None were taking GLP-1s, but I bet the same good news applies to those folks too.) But it was the folks getting 8,500 steps a day who were able to avoid regaining weight.

Why is this effective? Most folks who are overweight or obese don't get a fraction of the recommended 150-300 minutes a week of physical activity, so increasing move-around time is bound to help increase muscle mass (that then burns more calories), reduce inflammation, and improve metabolic health. And getting 8,500 steps means you're active for 75-120 minutes a day. That boosts your mood and improves heart function and immune strength, while it helps you keep your new, slimmer self.

Want a partner for your walkabouts? Check out the AI coaching program (I'm in it!) at 4YOUngevity.com.

Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@4YOUngevity.com.

(c)2026 Michael Roizen, M.D.

Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

(c) 2026 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.