Yo-yo dieting, also known as weight cycling, is the loss and regain of weight as a result of dieting. There are rising concerns in the wellness community regarding the negative effects of yo-yo dieting. It is thought that the loss and regain of weight can increase the risk of hypertension, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
Many studies have investigated these concerns. The International Journal of Exercise Science published a review of many studies and discussed the research. They found that due to the lack of a universal definition of weight cycling there is a large variability in experimental design. While it's clear more research is needed to identify the risks of yo-yo dieting, there is one thing we do know -- obesity will increase your risk of all the above health risks and more.
So how do you avoid regaining the weight after dieting? Avoid fad diets and instead make small, sustainable changes that you can maintain over time. Focus on lifestyle changes and your eating patterns as a way of creating a healthier you. Know that there is no quick fix; if a diet sounds too good to be true and promises dramatic sudden weight loss, it probably isn’t going to last. A balanced diet, including plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, along with regular exercise are key to maintaining a healthy weight.
Written by: Laura Dutra, Wellness Workdays Dietetic Intern