Weight Cycling

Kristie Alley regained the 70 plus pounds she lost on Jenny Craig. Marcia Brady got even heavier after she was on Celebrity Fit Club. And we all know too well about Oprah. Statistically speaking 80% of people who have lost weight have regained it all and then some! This gain-lose-gain cycle has been linked to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, depression, heart disease, and cancer. While small fluctuations in the scale are normal, large fluctuations (10 pounds or more) also called weight cycling, are unhealthy. This cycling is often the result of a diet that is too restrictive. Desperate for quick results in this instant gratification culture, we try to lose weight quickly on a diet that is too low in calories. Add to the mix that the more diets you’ve been on the harder it becomes to lose weight. As I see it, the problem people have who fall off the wagon is that they never really learned the skills necessary for long term behavior change. They haven’t been taught how to motivate themselves and accept their “diet” plan as a lifestyle. Also losing weight and regaining it again causes a loss of muscle and the gain is more fat! I know I seem to be painting a depressing picture; society is against you, your own body is against you, but you do have many positive options. Here are a few: Be realistic: Pick a sensible diet, one you can stick with Be Patient: Don’t try to lose too much too soon. Be Supported: Socialize with others who have lost weight and kept it off improves your odds Be Selective: Just as you should socialize with winners, stay away from people that might sabotage your efforts Be Flexible: Switch eating plans if you get bored. Be Active: Losing weight and exercise go hand in hand. You NEED to do both! Be Optimistic: Don’t let past failed attempts get you down. Remember every time you fail you get more insight about what to do differently next time. Robert J. Caltabiano, IFBB Pro Roberts One on One Fitness Studio 17 Ravine Road Malvern, PA 19355 610.296.8505 www.robertsoneonone.com This is where fit happens