Mixed
Weight cycling (repeated weight loss and regain) is associated with a 1.25 to 2.00 relative risk increase in all-cause mortality and coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality compared to stable weight.
If you have experienced weight cycling, do not stop trying to lose weight. The mortality risk associated with weight cycling (1.25-2.00x) is similar to the risk of obesity itself. Focus on maintaining weight loss and improving health markers rather than fearing the natural fluctuations that occur during dieting.
The bulk of epidemiologic research shows an association of weight variability with morbidity and mortality... The relative risk of increased weight variability is in the range of 1.25 to 2.00, which is similar to the risk attributed to obesity and to several of the cardiovascular risk factors.
Why this rating
Based on multiple large longitudinal studies (Framingham, MRFIT, Gothenburg) with consistent findings, though observational nature prevents causal certainty.
Source
Medical, Metabolic, and Psychological Effects of Weight Cycling
Kelly D. Brownell · Archives of Internal Medicine · 1994
DOI 10.1001/archinte.1994.00420120035004
More from this paper
- Weight cycling is associated with increased psychopathology, lower life satisfaction, and a higher risk of binge eating and disturbed eating practices.Moderate
- Weight cycling may alter body fat distribution, specifically increasing the waist-hip ratio (WHR) in women, which is a risk factor for coronary heart disease.Moderate
Related findings · Mixed
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- For patients with Class III obesity (BMI >39.9 kg/m2), metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS) is significantly more effective than any currently approved medication, with BilioPancreatic Diversion (BPD) showing the highest estimated weight loss.Strong
This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →