A large weight loss, even if regained, may help people with type 2 diabetes to improve blood sugar control, hypertension and cholesterol, a new study shows.

The participants that regained the weight back after a large weight loss had greater improvements in blood sugar than their counterparts who lost no weight or those who initially lost a smaller amount.

“Since many people lose weight and regain some of it, it is important to know whether this pattern leads to better or worse outcomes than never losing weight,” coauthor Rena Wing, a professor of psychiatry and human behavior at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, said.

The study showed that over four years, a larger weight loss improved blood sugar control, blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels more than smaller weight loss.

The effects were the highest in year one and year four. Blood sugar control only improved in the first year after weight loss, worsening again after that. In year four, the control was only improved among those who lost large amounts of weight, regardless if the weight was regained or not.

According to Wing, weight loss reduces insulin sensitivity and fatty tissue, both of which are factors that decrease infections and the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Although it is best to lose weight and maintain it, the fear of regaining the weight shouldn’t stop one from trying to lose weight in the first place, Wing encourages.

"There are a number of studies showing that weight loss can have a sustained impact even if weight loss is regained," she noted.

Weight loss also reduces the risk of diabetes for people who do not have it yet.

The last measurements of the 10-year-study were made on year four so it is still unclear whether the positive effects of weight loss will remain after five or more years, professor Abdul G. Duloo of the University of Fribourg in Switzerland, not part of the study, noted.

The research used data from more than 1400 overweight or obese adults with type 2 diabetes. The participants tried to lose at least 7% of their body weight through dietary changes and by doing 175 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week.