Cycles of loss and regain of weight are called
Select one:
A. yo-yo dieting.
B. energy balancing.
C. mindful eating .
D. plateauing .
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is A. yo-yo dieting.
Yo-yo dieting refers to the cyclical pattern of losing and regaining weight, typically through repeated cycles of dieting and then returning to old eating habits. This cycle often results in fluctuations in weight, where an individual may initially lose weight through a restrictive diet, but then gain it back once the diet is stopped, leading to the need for another round of dieting.
The causes behind yo-yo dieting are multiple. Many individuals may attempt extreme calorie restrictions or fad diets in an effort to lose weight quickly, only to find that they cannot maintain the changes in the long term. As a result, they regain the weight, and sometimes even more, because the body adapts to the dieting process by lowering its metabolism. This means that when normal eating patterns are resumed, the body is less efficient at processing calories, leading to faster weight gain.
Another factor in yo-yo dieting is the psychological stress associated with dieting. Extreme dietary restrictions can create a sense of deprivation, which leads individuals to overeat or “binge” once the diet ends. This creates a cycle of emotional eating, making it difficult to sustain healthy weight loss over time.
Moreover, frequent cycles of weight loss and regaining can have negative effects on metabolic health. Research suggests that repeated weight fluctuations may increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Instead of focusing on rapid weight loss, a more sustainable approach that emphasizes balanced eating habits and gradual lifestyle changes tends to yield better long-term health outcomes.
In contrast, the other options listed are not directly related to the cycle of weight loss and gain:
- B. energy balancing refers to the balance between calories consumed and calories expended.
- C. mindful eating focuses on eating with awareness, savoring food, and paying attention to hunger cues.
- D. plateauing refers to a point where weight loss stops, often after initial success in dieting, but it does not describe the cyclical nature of weight change.