I was lucky to end up back at my starting weight instead of above it. After about five years, 41 percent of dieters gain back more weight than they lost. Long-term studies show dieters are more likely than non-dieters to become obese over the next one to 15 years. However, in some cases of excess weight gain, you can become leptin resistant. In other words, your leptin signals are no longer working properly, and your body may constantly feel hungry. In addition, any weight loss achieved may trigger ghrelin to increase, which can increase your appetite further . As pounds falls off, your metabolism changes and weight reduction gets harder. Your body is smart and recognizes when you are not getting what you need to maintain your existing weight. To reach her goal of a 500-calorie-per-day savings, she adds some exercise. Substituting mineral water for the cola she regularly drinks during meetings can save another 150 calories. Skipping a large glass of sweetened iced tea will save about 200 calories. A 45-year-old woman complains that she has gradually put on 12 pounds over the past year.