Crash Diets Can Trigger Weight Cycling

Experts agree that very few people can maintain the restrictive eating that is often the foundation of fad diets aimed at rapid weight loss. Moreover, the person's obsession with food can cause them to become disconnected from hormonal cues for hunger and fullness. It is an unfortunate consequence particularly for young women, who are unhappy with their appearance. It may however be a precursor for weight control problems later in life. Researchers now know that weight gain has significant implications for disease risk, which is believed to be mediated by an elevated level of systemic inflammation. Weight cycling, the vicious cycle of weight gain, weight loss and weight regain, is not limited to those suffering from obesity.

Fad Dieting Can Lead to Food Obsessions

Yo-yo dieting is a common occurrence seen in overweight and obese groups for both men and women. If you become obsessed with food restrictions, you risk developing eating disorders since:

• crash diets not sustainable for weight loss
• fad diets not based on nutritional balance
• fad dieting is a precursor for eating disorders
• crash diets focus on appearance not fulfillment
• eating one food depends on bad eating habit

Although the topic of weight cycling remains the source of considerable controversy, several population-based studies have reported an increased risk for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality associated with yo-yo dieting.

Focus on the Day-to-Day Goals of Your Journey

Your outlook is critical for how you see yourself. For example, being overweight does not automatically mean you're unhealthy, just like being thin doesn't mean you're healthy. So, quit dieting, stop binge eating and focus on nourishing your body. Depending upon where you at and what you want to accomplish, creating a whole new body image can take time. But, if you focus on your day-to-day goals, you'll look back and everything will be different because your journey was a success. No matter how hard your weight journey gets, having a positive outlook about things will allow you to trust in the process and to not be obsessed with every little setback. The fastest way to lose weight is to change your outlook about the entire journey. Too many people become obsessed with diet and completely ignore the balanced lifestyle that would support their goals.