The Risks of Dieting and Regaining and Losing Weight Over and Over Again

Weight Cycling--a term you may not be aware of, but likely have had tons of experience with if you're a chronic dieter (aka yo-yo dieter).Weight cycling is the continuous cycle of losing weight as a result of dieting that eventually is regained once the diet is no longer being followed.We've all been there before, losing that X amount of pounds from following your new diet or "lifestyle change". But be honest with yourself here...after you stopped following your diet, did that weight you lost eventually come back? It's okay if it did, diets don't work for most people and about 95% of people who lose weight regain the weight they lost within 1-5 years. And I promise it's not due to your a lack of willpower!I talk a lot more about why diets don't truly work here if you want to read more about that topic, but for now, let's get back to chatting all about weight cycling.

What are the risks that come along with dieting and weight cycling?

Believe it or not, your body doesn't like to be in a constant state of up and down with it's weight. It would actually prefer it to stay more steady and constant, but unfortunately with dieting comes that rollercoaster ride of weight loss and weight regain.

That rollercoaster ride known as weight cycling has been shown to increase the risk of the following conditions and chronic diseases:

• Risk of mortality
• Fractures
• Gallstones
• Loss of muscle which can slow your metabolism
• Some forms of cancer
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Type 2 Diabetes

If there are so many risks to dieting and weight cycling, why does everyone (including most healthcare professionals) promote diets as healthy?!

I can't speak for everyone, but there are likely two big reasons why diets and weight loss are heavily promoted as "good for your health" when all it really does is increase your risk for long-term chronic conditions.Reason #1: Diets and weight loss are so normalized in our society. It's hard to see the facts when everyone in the world is so obsessed with changing their body, they will do anything (like skipping meals) to do it! So even with the risks that come along with it, dieting or restricting what you eat are still something most of us practice at times in our life because we desire what society wants--an "ideal" body! (p.s. there is no perfect or ideal body type in my opinion)Reason #2: This one pertains to healthcare professionals, in particular, doctors. Shouldn't doctors know the risks that come with dieting and weight cycling and try to encourage their patients to create lasting healthy habits rather than simply telling them to "lose weight"? Sure, some of them do know that!But others have been taught a completely different framework of health, one that focuses mainly on a person's weight or BMI as a way to measure their health. Which is sad, but in all honesty, it's not necessarily their fault they were taught that. If at all possible, I do encourage you to find a health care provider who is Health At Every Size (HAES) aligned if it's important to you that your provider take so many other factors besides your weight into consideration when assessing your health.

The Bottom Line

Growing up, most of us are taught to believe that dieting equals health. We were taught it was healthier to be thin than it was to actually eat and nourish our bodies. And we were taught that our worth and values are based mostly on the way we look.What weren't you taught growing up about health? The actual truth.That you can weigh any number and still be healthy!! That when you nourish yourself with the right amount of food, you can actually thrive in life. And that your worth is not based on a number or how your look!The next time you're thinking about starting another diet, consider the risks of it and weight cycling and ask yourself if another diet will really get you where you want to be (and help stay there) with your health goals.Want to learn more about weight cycling and intuitive eating, check my Intuitive Eating Tips with Taylor video to learn more about the topic of weight cycling and also get all your daily Intuitive Eating tips from me there!

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