A new study by the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine shows that no matter how overweight a person might be, diet and exercise can help them lose weight.

Many people struggling with severe obesity believe that surgery is their option, but the research shows that a change in diet and finding motivation to be active really works.

The results of the study, published online in the Journal of the American Medical Association, show that with the proper diet and exercise, nearly everyone can lose weight even when they are overweight or obese.

"Physicians should be aware that lifestyle changes actually do work," researchers said at the conclusion of the study.

It is estimated that more than 14 percent of all U.S. adults are severely obese.