Y is for...

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Yoyo Dieting:
Yo-yo dieting, also known as "weight cycling," describes the pattern of losing weight, regaining it and then dieting again.
It's a process that causes weight to go up and down like a yo-yo. This type of dieting is common — 10% of men and 30% of women have done it
Some of the issues include:
  1. Increased Appetite Leads to More Weight Gain Over Time: Losing weight causes the body to increase appetite and cling to its energy storage. As a result, some yo-yo dieters gain back more weight than they lost.
  2. Higher Body Fat Percentage: A majority of studies show yo-yo dieting leads to a higher body fat percentage. This can lead to other changes that make it harder to lose weight.
  3. An Increased Risk of Heart Disease: The risk of heart disease increases with weight gain and fluctuating weight. The greater the change in weight, the greater the risk.
  4. It Can Increase Blood Pressure: Weight gain, including rebound weight gain in yo-yo dieting, increases blood pressure. This effect can linger for years, but appears to fade over time.
  5. Short-Term Thinking Prevents Long-Term Lifestyle Changes


Here are some of the behaviors it found worked for long-term weight loss:
  • Eating healthy foods: Such as yogurt, fruits, vegetables and tree nuts (not peanuts).
  • Avoiding junk foods: Such as potato chips and sugary beverages.
  • Limiting starchy foods: Using starchy foods like potatoes in moderation.
  • Exercising: Find something active that you enjoy doing.
  • Getting good sleep: Get 6–8 hours of sleep each night.
  • Limiting television viewing: Limit your TV time or exercise while you watch.
By making permanent lifestyle changes that promote a healthy weight, you can have permanent success and break the yo-yo cycle.

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