Yo-yo dieting - the repetitive loss and regain of body weight, also called weight cycling - is prevalent in North America. It's been unclear the degree to which weight cycling may impact metabolism or thwart a person's ability to lose weight in the long run has been unclear.
Now, a new study by researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, published online in the journal Metabolism, has shown that a history of yo-yo dieting does not negatively affect metabolism or the ability to lose weight long term.
"A history of unsuccessful weight loss should not dissuade an individual from future attempts to shed pounds or diminish the role of a healthy diet and regular physical activity in successful weight management," said the lead researcher.
Two-thirds of the North American population is overweight or obese and it is estimated that nearly half of women are dieting to lose weight. Obesity is a known risk factor for many cancers as well as heart disease and diabetes. A relationship between body fat and the production of certain hormones and inflammatory markers is thought to contribute to increased cancer risk.
The study was based on data from 439 overweight-to-obese, sedentary women, ages 50 to 75, who were randomly assigned to one of four groups: 1) reduced-calorie diet only, 2) exercise only (mainly brisk walking), 3) reduced-calorie diet plus exercise and 4) a control group that received no intervention.
At the end of the year-long study, participants on the diet-only and diet-plus-exercise arms lost an average of 10 percent of their starting weight, which was the goal of the intervention.
The analysis aimed to determine whether women with a history of moderate or severe weight cycling were at a disadvantage compared to non-weight-cyclers when it came to losing weight.
Of the study participants overall, 18 percent (77 women) met the criteria for severe weight cycling (having reported losing 20 or more pounds on three or more occasions) and 24 percent (103 women) met the criteria for moderate weight cycling (having reported losing 10 or more pounds on three or more occasions).
Although severe weight cyclers were, on average, nearly 20 pounds heavier than non-cyclers at the start of the study, at the end of the study the researchers found no significant differences between those who yo-yo dieted and those who didn't with regard to the ability to successfully participate in diet and/or exercise programs.
The cyclers also did not differ from the non-cyclers with regard to the impact of diet or diet-plus-exercise on weight loss, percentage of body fat and lean muscle mass gained or lost. Other physiological factors such as blood pressure, insulin sensitivity, and blood concentrations of hormones such as leptin (which helps make one feel full) and adiponectin (which helps regulate glucose levels) also did not differ significantly among those whose weight fluctuated and those whose did not.
All research on this web site is the property of Leslie Beck Nutrition Consulting Inc. and is protected by copyright. Keep in mind that research on these matters continues daily and is subject to change. The information presented is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. It is intended to provide ongoing support of your healthy lifestyle practices.