Yo-Yo Dieting

Yo-Yo dieting. Beware of the yo yo effect.

What is Yo-Yo dieting? It is a term that most of us have experienced. We suddenly become conscious of our increasing waistline and decide to take drastic measures, enroll for a weight management program and start to exercise. In time it yields results and the excess pounds are lost. When we are happy with the results we return to our old life style and eating habits, the inevitable happens, we again regain the lost weight in a few years. This pattern of repeated losses and subsequent regain of body weight is referred to as Yo-Yo.

Research indicates that Yo-Yo dieting does more harm than good. Too many drastic ups and downs can even weaken the immune system. According to the research, women who had two to five weight-loss episodes - losing 10 pounds or more each time - had weaker immune cell activity than non-dieters.

During short-term dieting, if the dieter is not exercising, half or more of the weight loss may be due to a loss of muscle. This muscle loss can cause three problems. First, with less muscle, the dieter becomes not only thinner but also weaker. Second, since muscle, not fat, burns calories, it is harder than ever before for the dieter to maintain weight. Third, as weight is regained - it is mostly fat - since food alone, without exercise, will not build muscle.

There is psychological impact of Yo-Yo dieting as well. It can upset the individual because it is disheartening to regain the weight that was lost after so much effort. It is better to lose weight slowly and maintain the loss. In extreme cases, Yo-Yo dieting can even result in poor body image and a negative attitude towards food.

The best way to avoid Yo-Yo dieting is to avoid diets that result only in "temporary" improvements in weight. The best thing to do is to eat nutritious food, maintain a healthy and disciplined lifestyle, do exercises regularly and join a community of like-minded people. Remember, there are no short cuts to success. Yo-Yo dieting is one such.

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