When it comes to weight loss, a common complaint is that the kilos return almost as quickly as they left. Losing kilos is only one part of the challenge of reaching a healthy weight range – maintaining that loss is where most of us come unstuck, and this can lock us into a cycle of yo-yo dieting.
Diet culture permeates almost every aspect of media and culture. For many, dieting has become a way of life. We may have grown up seeing family members, friends and colleagues go on diets, or tried one (or several) ourselves.
The usual story is we start out with the best of intentions but end up in a vicious circle of weight loss in the short term, only to regain it further down the track. We often blame ourselves for a lack of willpower and are left with a sense of guilt and shame. When we’re caught in the diet cycle, the response to these feelings might be to feast or binge to feel good again. Once the guilt and self-blame return, the desire to lose weight becomes even greater and the cycle begins again.
The trouble with diets
Being caught in the diet cycle can harm our health and well-being. People who engage in weight cycling are at higher risk of metabolic changes, insulin sensitivity, heart disease, disordered eating and nutrient deficiencies.
Most weight-loss diets depend on restricting how much you eat. Some may tinker with ratios of carbs vs fat or protein etc, but the basic concept is
