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CONTACT: Leslie Curtis
4:30 p.m. EDT Tuesday, October 18, 1994

(301) 496-6110

WEIGHT CYCLING: IN SOME, THE BENEFITS OF WEIGHT LOSS OUTWEIGH THE RISKS

Contrary to popular opinion, weight cycling, also known as yo-yo dieting, does not have negative effects on body fat, metabolism, or the success of future weight-loss efforts, according to an article published in this week's issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

The National Task Force on the Prevention and Treatment of Obesity reviewed 43 studies on the effects of weight cycling on metabolism, psychological functioning, and health. According to its report, there is currently no compelling evidence that weight cycling is riskier than remaining obese.

"While the notion that weight cycling has negative effects on metabolism and health has become accepted by many, careful review of studies in humans does not support this conclusion," says Susan Z. Yanovski, M.D., a researcher at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the executive secretary of the National Task Force on the Prevention and Treatment of Obesity. The Task Force was established by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).

Most studies in humans did not find that weight cycling affects the amount of body fat, the location of fat, or the probability of future successful weight loss. In addition, weight cycling does not appear to have negative effects on risk factors for illness, such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure.

"A weight loss of as little as five to ten pounds improves obesity-related conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high blood cholesterol," says Van S. Hubbard, M.D., Ph.D., Director, Nutritional Sciences Branch, NIDDK. "Therefore, obese individuals who suffer from any of these conditions should not have any reservations about attempting modest weight loss," says Hubbard. The Task Force concludes that obese individuals who try to lose weight should be ready to commit to life-long changes in their eating behaviors, diet, and physical activity. The Task Force also recommends that individuals who are not obese and who have no risk factors for obesity-related illness should not attempt to lose weight, but should try to maintain a stable weight and to prevent future weight gain.

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