The Science of Weight Loss #8 Why Weight Regain Happens After Dieting: The Science of the Yo-Yo Effect
It's Not Just Willpower—Your Body Is Trying to Return to Its Previous Weight "I Thought I Could Keep the Weight Off This Time." After three months of carefully following a healthy eating plan, Sarah, a 34-year-old office worker, lost nearly 18 pounds (8 kg). She felt healthier, more confident, and believed she had finally found a way to keep the weight off. But a few months later, things began to change. Even though she wasn't eating as much as she had before dieting, the number on the scale slowly started to rise. A few relaxed meals became more frequent, and before long, she had regained all of the weight she had lost. What surprised her most was that gaining weight seemed easier than ever. If this story sounds familiar, you're not alone. Many people blame themselves when they regain weight after dieting, believing they simply lacked willpower. However, research shows that weight regain is rarely explained by willpower alone. After significant weight loss, the...