The Yo Yo Effect

Print
E-mail

75-90% of the people who lose weight on a diet regain the pounds after their diet ends. So cites a study in the nutrition research clinic of Baylor College School of Medicine. And 95% of people who lose 40 pounds or more were the most likely to regain it back. This back and forth weight gain and loss, a typical unhealthy pattern, has been termed the "Yo Yo Effect."

In a two-year study of 150 dieters, director John Foreyt found certain factors key in the long term maintenance of weight loss:

… Enjoy the feeling of exercise. Says Foreyt, "If you walk briskly or do any kind of exercise for 45 minutes in the morning you'll have a sense of control all day."

… Have internal motivation. People who are really losing weight for themselves in order to feel and look better are more successful. If they lose it for an event, like a class reunion or summer, they often gain back the weight when the event is over.

… Enjoy other healthy aspects of weight loss. People who keep weight off enjoy the fact that their clothes fit better, they have good muscle tone, lower cholesterol and better blood pressure.

… It is helpful to have the support of immediate family, friends and/or groups.

People likely to regain weight tend to:

… Have negative feelings, like letting work and personal stress interfere with their exercise, when in fact, the exercise would help diminish the stress. They also use stress as an excuse to disregard new eating habits.

… "Return to the Scene" of their eating crimes: parties and fast food restaurants, and fall prey to old habits instead of developing strategies to cope with them.

… Test themselves. They nibble at junk food items and try to see what they can "get away with" when it comes to eating and exercising. And if the weather is poor they are the first to decide not to exercise.

Social sharing

More in this category: « Your Genetic Compass™ Understanding Obesity »

Sign-up for my Free “Natural Health & Nutrition Tips” Newsletter

Share |