Weight Cycling -- The "Yo-Yo" Problem

Carrying a few extra Pounds of body weight may be less harmless than "yo-yo" dieting! The cycle of repeatedly losing and regaining weight can make weight management more difficult in the long run. It may lead to a slower basal metabolic rate, eating disorders, and poor self-esteem. According to some studies, weight cycling may even increase the risk for some ongoing health problems, such as heart disease and some forms of cancer. Moreover, lost weight that repeatedly comes back may lead to feelings of frustration and failure.

Weight cycling often comes from quick-fix diets, weight-loss gimmicks, and other risky strategies. Without physical activity, each time the dieter sheds a few pounds, he or she loses lean body mass, along with body fat. Because the approach for weight loss is short-lived, pounds quickly go back on. Without exercise, those regained pounds are mostly body fat, which burns less energy than muscle. As the cycle repeats itself, the dieter needs fewer and fewer calories to maintain weight, and it gets harder and harder to lose weight. The cycle of "failure, success, failure" makes it psychologically harder to try again, too.

If repeated "ups and downs" of dieting describe your weight problem, shift your approach to management. You can break the cycle. Go for long-term approaches, rather than short-term results. Make gradual and permanent changes in the way you eat, your activity level, and your lifestyle. It's the only way to be healthy-for life.