If losing weight is among your top agenda, then you have probably already heard about yo-yo dieting. It is also known as weight cycling since it involves recurrent weight loss and weight gain.
What causes yo-yo dieting?
If you want to avert the problems associated with it, you need to know its causes first. The effect results from weight loss plans that entail missing meals, crash diet, and fasting.
How does the body respond to yo-yo dieting?
Such plans usually lower your calorific intake drastically. When you deprive your body of the calories, it requires for energy, and it will adapt to the changes in reducing metabolism drastically. Your metabolism might never return to normalcy even when you change your diet. In the end, you gain all the lost weight back.
Effects of yo-yo dieting
Less muscle and more fat
Even though yo-yo dieting is done with the intention of promoting fat loss initially, you will gain it all eventually. Also, low-calorie diet causes muscle wasting. That means when you get back to your regular diet, you will carry excess fat and less fat. The condition might lead to chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart-related illnesses.
Less energy
Yo-yo dieting slows down body metabolism, which results in low energy levels. When the body lacks the required calories to function, it has no other option but to make adjustments. The adjustments might include fatigue, limited brain function, irritability, and tiredness.
What is the healthier alternative?
The healthier and safer alternative to yo-yo dieting is losing weight slowly and consistently over a significant period. Do not try losing more than 1 to 2 pounds in a week. If you have already engaged in yo-yo dieting, do these three things:
– Take more protein
– Do strength training
– Support your liver as it is responsible for burning fat
