Struggling to keep the weight off? Yo-yo dieting can be frustrating, but it’s not just a lack of willpower. It’s biology! Your brain amplifies the signal of hunger synapses, making you crave food even more.
The Yo-Yo effect happens when people lose weight but then regain it. It’s like the toy from the Philippines that goes back and forth – hence the name.
Weight cycling, colloquially known as yo-yo dieting, has traditionally been linked to a lack of willpower. However, science now knows that it’s biology, not simply mind over matter, which pushes your body to maintain its highest known weight. Yo-yo dieting can increase your body fat percentage at the expense of muscle mass and strength and cause fatty liver, high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. This cycle can cause health problems like fatty liver, high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.
Yo-yo dieting can also have a negative feedback loop, leading to depression. The worse you feel, the more food becomes a method for self-soothing, leading to weight gain, followed by more dieting and more significant depression.
So, what’s the solution? Treat dieting as a lifestyle change, not a temporary fix. Make small, permanent changes to your diet and exercise routine. Focus on eating healthy, nutrient-dense foods and staying active.
Remember, weight loss is a journey that requires patience, persistence, and determination. Don’t be too hard on yourself; avoid crash diets you can’t maintain. Adopting a healthier lifestyle can break the Yo-Yo cycle and enjoy a happier, healthier life.