- Yo-yo dieting
Yo-yo dieting, also known as weight cycling, is a repeated loss and gain of
body weight due to excessivedieting . The term "yo-yo dieting" was coined byKelly D. Brownell , Ph.D., atYale University , in reference to the cyclical up-down motion of a yo-yo. In this process, the dieter is initially successful in the pursuit ofweight loss but is unsuccessful in maintaining the loss long-term and begins to gain the weight back. The dieter then seeks to lose the regained weight, and the cycle begins again.The reasons for yo-yo dieting are varied but often include embarking upon a diet that was initially too extreme. At first the dieter may experience elation at the thought of loss and pride of their rejection of
food . Over time, however, the limits imposed by such extreme diets cause effects such as depression or fatigue that make the diet impossible to sustain. The dieter reverts to their old eating habits, and with the added emotional effects begins to rapidly regain weight.This kind of diet is associated with extreme food deprivation as a substitute for good diet and
exercise techniques. As a result, the dieter may experience loss of bothmuscle andbody fat during the initial weight-loss phase (weight-bearing exercise is required to maintain muscle). After completing the diet, the dieter is likely to experience the body'sfamine response , leading to rapid weight gain of only fat. This is a dangerous fat-cycle that changes the body's fat to muscle ratio, one of the more important factors in health.External links
* [http://www.oa.org/index.htm Overeaters Anonymous website]
* [http://www.oalaig.org/index.htm Listen to Speakers from Overeaters Anonymous]
* [http://www.epigee.org/fitness/crash_diets.html Yo-yo dieting study]
* [http://www.liquiddietdiscussion.com Liquid Diet Discussion Board]
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