A new study found that the willpower to lose weight and resist unsuitable food is the most powerful and effective tool for losing weight.

As much as exercise and a proper diet help a person in losing weight, a new study found willpower is one of the most effective tools in this process. The study finds that people who have a stronger willpower lost more weight than people who give into temptation once in a while.

People who had more willpower were found to be more active physically, consumed lesser amount of calories and were more regular when it came to attending weight loss programs and seminars.

The journal Obesity Research and Clinical Practice reported participants who experienced an increase amount of willpower and self control within the first 6 months of enrolling in a weight loss program were found to have more effective results of the program than people who had lesser willpower and self control.

"Of course, it makes sense that if you have more willpower you'll do better in a weight loss programme, however, this phenomena is surprisingly not studied much," said Tricia M. Leahey from Miriam Hospital's Weight Control and Diabetes Research Centre according to a Miriam statement.

While the findings are obvious, authors of the research reveal that very little study has been conducted that link self-control and willpower to weight loss. The study was the first of its kind.

"Our study is the first to examine whether practicing acts of self-control during weight loss is linked to an increase in self-control and better weight loss outcomes, although other research has demonstrated this effect in the area of smoking cessation," Leahey said.

"The more you 'exercise' it by eating a low fat diet, working out even when you don't feel like it, and going to group meetings when you'd rather stay home, the more you'll increase and strengthen your self-control 'muscle' and quite possibly lose more weight and improve your health," Leahey said.