The BMJ has featured a systematic review investigating interventions for maintaining weight loss including lifestyle and behavioural interventions, web based interventions, anti-obesity medication and bariatric surgery.

The review concludes that evidence from trials is often contradictory; however, current evidence indicates that these interventions are likely to be helpful:

• Ongoing regular support/follow-up;

• Behavioural techniques such as goal setting, relapse prevention, self monitoring of weight, as well as diet and physical activity;

• Increase in physical activity levels, alongside a moderately calorie reduced diet;

• A lower fat, higher protein diet;

• A low energy diet (600 kcal deficit); orlistat in the short term; however, patients need to develop healthy lifestyles for successful weight loss maintenance;

• Bariatric surgery for appropriate patients.