Weight cycling is the continual body weight loss-and-gain. It is commonly known as "yo-yo" dieting when it results from dieting. The cycle can range from small weight losses and gains (5-10 lbs. per cycle) to large changes in weight (50 lbs. or more per cycle). Some studies link weight cycling with certain health risks so it is recommended that obese, as well as non-obese, adults adopt healthy eating and regular physical activity habits to achieve and maintain a healthier weight for life.
It should be as easy for a person who repeatedly loses and gains weight to attain and maintain a healthy weight as the first timer. Most research show that weight cycling does not affect the metabolic rate--the rate at which the body burns food for energy. Further, weight cycling does not affect the success of future weight-loss efforts. Metabolism, however, slows down as a person ages and older people are often less physically active. Regardless of age, regular exercise as well as healthy eating habits will aid weight loss and improve overall health.
It is debatable whether "yo-yo" dieting increases the amount of fat tissue in people who lose and regain weight. Researchers discovered that those who regain their original weight after a cycle retain the same amount of fat and muscle as they did prior. People who exercise may actually gain muscle. The concern is that weight cycling puts more fat around the stomach area. People who carry excess fat in the stomach area (apple-shaped), instead of in the hips, thighs, and buttocks (pear-shaped), are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. No studies have shown, however, that after a weight cycle, people gain more fat around their stomachs.
It is not certainly known whether weight cycling or "yo-yo" dieting causes health problems.
The diseases associated with obesity, however, are well known. These include: high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, certain types of cancer, arthritis, gallbladder disease.
Disease risk is not the same for overweight/obese adults. Whether a man or woman, the amount and location of fat and family disease history play a role in determining risk. Experts agree that even a modest 10 per cent body weight loss in six months or more can advance the health of the overweight /obese adult.
It should be as easy for a person who repeatedly loses and gains weight to attain and maintain a healthy weight as the first timer. Most research show that weight cycling does not affect the metabolic rate--the rate at which the body burns food for energy. Further, weight cycling does not affect the success of future weight-loss efforts. Metabolism, however, slows down as a person ages and older people are often less physically active. Regardless of age, regular exercise as well as healthy eating habits will aid weight loss and improve overall health.
It is debatable whether "yo-yo" dieting increases the amount of fat tissue in people who lose and regain weight. Researchers discovered that those who regain their original weight after a cycle retain the same amount of fat and muscle as they did prior. People who exercise may actually gain muscle. The concern is that weight cycling puts more fat around the stomach area. People who carry excess fat in the stomach area (apple-shaped), instead of in the hips, thighs, and buttocks (pear-shaped), are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. No studies have shown, however, that after a weight cycle, people gain more fat around their stomachs.
It is not certainly known whether weight cycling or "yo-yo" dieting causes health problems.
The diseases associated with obesity, however, are well known. These include: high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, certain types of cancer, arthritis, gallbladder disease.
Disease risk is not the same for overweight/obese adults. Whether a man or woman, the amount and location of fat and family disease history play a role in determining risk. Experts agree that even a modest 10 per cent body weight loss in six months or more can advance the health of the overweight /obese adult.
About the Author:
PS Counselling specialises in working with adolescents and adults for weight management. Find out more about Weight Management and Counselling by visiting http://www.pscounselling.com.au/weight-management