Individuals who are concerned about losing weight may not realize that they have to commit to some lifestyle changes in order to see results.

According to a new study published in the American Journal of Physiology – Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology, researchers have furthered the notion that people who are looking to lose weight should combine diet as well as exercise in order to see a dramatic reduction in their caloric intake.

Researchers put test monkeys on high-fat diets for several years and then returned them to a low-fat diet of normal monkey food. The scientists found that although there was a 30 percent reduction in calories, without exercise. It was found that there was no significant weight loss at the end of the month-long trial period.

“This study demonstrates that there is a natural body mechanism which conserves energy in response to a reduction in calories,” Dr. Judy Cameron said. “Food is not always plentiful for humans and animals and the body seems to have developed a strategy for responding to these fluctuations.”

An alkaline diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains coupled with exercise may be an efficient way to lose weight.