For years we’ve been told that losing + regaining weight might be detrimental to our health and metabolism.
In 2016, a New York Times article about weight regain among The Biggest Loser contestants went viral.
Many lost hope.
However, little is known about hormone regulation and body fat composition after multiple episodes of weight cycling.
Today, a University of Washington team released a first-of-its-kind study, published ahead of print in the American Journal of Physiology—Endocrinology and Metabolism that highlights the potential benefits of multiple weight loss attempts.
Repeatedly losing and regaining weight may lead to improved insulin levels and lower body fat percentages in the long term, even during weight regain phases.
This was not a study funded by Slim Fast or Weight Watchers. The American Journal of Physiology—Endocrinology and Metabolism is a peer reviewed + highly reputable scientific journal. The lead researcher is a medical doctor and fellow at the University of Washington.
While the study was conducted on rats, not humans, there is much to be optimistic about.
After the first cycle, when compared with the controls, the weight cyclers ate less during the weight regain periods and had lower body fat mass and insulin levels. In addition, there was no difference in levels of leptin and ghrelin—hormones that control hunger, appetite and weight regulation—between the two groups, which suggests the stability of hormone levels even throughout periods of weight cycling, the research team explained. “The improvement in fat mass as well as improvement in glucose tolerance seen in our rats that had undergone weight cycling implies metabolic benefits to the periods of caloric restriction, despite the stress of the weight gain times,” the researchers wrote.
Let’s be honest. Very few of us lose the weight + keep it off on the first attempt. I sure didn’t. But eventually – I did. And this new study ought to restore hope for those who’ve bought into the notion that it’s nearly impossible to lose weight for good.
Believing you can is half the battle.
💙 Robyn
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