New study debunks the biggest fear about yo-yo dieting

"Many people struggling with weight are discouraged from trying to lose weight because they fear 'yo-yo dieting' will lead to muscle loss and somehow damage their metabolism. Our review indicates that these fears are largely unsupported. In most cases, the benefits of trying to lose weight clearly outweigh the theoretical risks of weight cycling."

"Repeated weight loss followed by weight regain, often called 'yo-yo dieting' or weight cycling, has long been viewed as unhealthy and potentially even worse than staying overweight. However, a major new review published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology argues that this belief is not backed by strong scientific evidence."

"For years, weight cycling has been linked to a wide range of health concerns, including greater fat accumulation, faster muscle loss, slower metabolism, and increased risks of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. These concerns have influenced public opinion and even medical advice, leading some people to believe repeated dieting attempts may ultimately cause more harm than benefit."

"The researchers reviewed observational studies, randomized clinical trials, and animal studies focused on repeated weight loss and regain. They looked at how weight cycling affects body weight, body composition, metabolism, and broader health outcomes, including risks related to diabetes and cardiovascular disease."

Repeated weight loss and regain, often called yo-yo dieting or weight cycling, has been widely viewed as harmful and potentially worse than remaining overweight. A review of decades of human and animal research found no convincing proof that weight cycling itself causes long-term harm in people with obesity. Concerns have included greater fat accumulation, faster muscle loss, slower metabolism, and higher risks of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The review examined observational studies, randomized clinical trials, and animal studies, focusing on effects on body weight, body composition, and metabolism. The findings indicate that fears about muscle loss and metabolic damage are largely unsupported, and that attempting weight loss can provide net benefits for many people.

Read at ScienceDaily