Compared with traditional dieting, a less weight-focused approach to eating and exercise achieves greater long-term results. That's the conclusion of a study led by Linda Bacon at the University of California, Davis. Some women were taught nutrition basics and counseled to cut calories, record their intake, and regularly exercise and weigh themselves. Nondieters also received nutrition guidance, but were encouraged to recognize hunger and fullness, accept their body size, and find exercises they enjoyed. Over two years, the dieters lost weight but regained most of it, while the other group maintained a stable weight. And only the nondieters improved their cholesterol counts and blood pressure and sustained boosts in physical activity, mood, and self-esteem.