Articles
'Yo-Yo' Dieting
Yo-yo dieting is the term used to describe the repetitive cycle of weight loss and weight gain due to changes in diet. It is usually the result of a fad diet, such as a strict ‘cleansing diet’ or ‘no carb’ diet. These diets are impossible to stick to long term and do nothing to educate dieters about keeping the weight off.
Fad diets usually lead to quite a rapid initial weight loss. Although the dieter sees these results as a triumph, it is mainly a loss of water and lean muscle mass, not a loss of body fat. Once the strict regime of the fad diet becomes too much, which usually does not take too long, the dieter returns to the usual unhealthy eating practices and weight is regained as rapidly as it was lost. Worse yet, the restrictive eating patterns during the fad diet result in the dieter over indulging once they return to their usual eating habits, resulting in even greater weight gain.
Research into the effects of yo-yo dieting on long term health has shown that rapid weight loss and weight gain has a negative effect on heart health. It has been linked to high cholesterol, high blood pressure and gallbladder complications. In addition, it has been shown that yo-yo dieting has a profound negative effect on ones psychological health due to the constant feelings of failure that can lead to depression. This in turn is a vicious cycle in itself. Depression will often lead to comfort eating, leading to further weight gain and then to another fad diet.
The only real answer to long term weight loss is healthy eating and a regular exercise regimen. There is no magic pill, restrictive diet or even a surgery that can permanently keep the weight off. It is about learning how to lead a healthy lifestyle with food and exercise and having the determination to make it happen. Setting small goals is helpful. Even a small weight loss of just 10% of body weight over a 6 month period can have a profound impact on an individual’s long term health. Don’t go at it alone. Instead of spending a fortune on fad diet, foods, weight loss shakes or quick fix books, speak to a Dietitian about how to permanently improve your eating practices.
Added to site on : Tuesday, 15 January 2013