A study on overweight women over the age of 50 has concluded that a healthy diet coupled with regular exercise is more effective for weight loss than either method alone.

A randomized trial in postmenopausal women - conducted by the US-based Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center - found those who combined a low-fat, low-calorie diet with regular aerobic exercise shed nearly 11 per cent of their starting weight

The study was lead by Dr. Anne McTiernan. She said: "We were surprised at how successful the women were.

"Even though this degree of weight loss may not bring an obese individual to a normal weight, losing even this modest amount of weight can bring health benefits such as a reduced risk of diabetes, heart disease and cancer."

The year-long intervention involved 439 overweight-to-obese, sedentary, postmenopausal Seattle-area women, ages 50 to 75.

The study also found that the women who lost the most weight and body fat kept a food journal, writing down everything they ate and drank with the exception of water and no-calorie drinks. For the full report, please click here