Français
Español
English
Portuguese
Researchers said the results indicate that body weight alone may not fully capture the health effects of dietary and lifestyle changes.
By Shula Rosen
An international research team led by Israel’s Ben-Gurion University of the Negev reported Wednesday that repeated cycles of weight loss followed by regain may still produce lasting health benefits, challenging long-held assumptions about so-called yo-yo dieting, Xinhua reported.
The findings are based on a long-term study that followed approximately 500 participants for as long as 10 years across two controlled diet and lifestyle trials. Researchers examined whether people who lost weight, regained it, and then attempted another structured program experienced different health outcomes than those who dieted only once.
Yo-yo dieting, also referred to as weight cycling, describes a pattern in which individuals reduce weight through diet and exercise but later regain it, often leading to repeated attempts. The approach has frequently been criticized as ineffective or potentially harmful. The new data suggest that view may be incomplete.
Participants were assigned to Mediterranean-style diets combined with exercise programs or to standard dietary approaches. Researchers used MRI to assess body fat distribution, allowing for detailed measurement beyond changes on a scale.
According to the study, individuals who regained weight before beginning a second intervention still showed measurable metabolic improvements. Levels of visceral fat — the fat stored around internal organs — were found to be 15% to 25% lower than at the start of the research period. The same group also demonstrated improved insulin sensitivity and healthier blood lipid profiles.
The study further found that five years after completing the second program, participants who made another weight-loss attempt regained less overall weight and accumulated less abdominal fat than those who participated in only one diet intervention.
Researchers said the results indicate that body weight alone may not fully capture the health effects of dietary and lifestyle changes. Even when weight is regained, certain metabolic benefits may persist over time, they said.
The findings suggest that repeated efforts to improve diet and physical activity can have cumulative health effects rather than being nullified by subsequent weight regain. Researchers emphasized that long-term metabolic outcomes, including fat distribution and insulin response, may be more meaningful indicators of health than weight change alone.
Ben-Gurion University said the results could help reshape how clinicians and patients think about repeated weight-loss efforts and their potential long-term value.
Do You Love Israel? Make a Donation - Show Your Support!
Donate to vital charities that help protect Israeli citizens and inspire millions around the world to support Israel too!
Now more than ever, Israel needs your help to fight and win the war -- including on the battlefield of public opinion.
Antisemitism, anti-Israel bias and boycotts are out of control. Israel's enemies are inciting terror and violence against innocent Israelis and Jews around the world. Help us fight back!
