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Dan Yarmer
Dan Yarmer M.Ed. is a Health Educator in the Life Strategies Weight Management program at Health Strategies. He is a graduate from Wichita State University where he received a Master degree in Exercise Physiology. Dan also holds the nationally recognized Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist certification from the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Dan may be contacted at Health Strategies, 551 N. Hillside, Wichita, KS 67214, (316) 651-8008, or by email at dayarmer@yahoo.co.
Fitness
2001-11-01 14:27:00
Yo-Yo dieting isn’t good
Question: I read an article the other day that it is better on the body to be always a few pounds overweight than it is to go up and down the scale from inconsistent exercise and diet regimens. Is this true? If so, why?
Answer: The safety of an individual's weight going up and down depends upon many important variables.  First, it depends upon how overweight the person is and how much their weight is fluctuating.  If it is going up and down by 5% then there is not too much reason for concern.  In fact, it is common for a persons weight to fluctuate on a small scale.  On the other hand, if it is continually changing by a large amount then there is reason for concern.  This is most likely what the article was referring to as being unhealthy for the body, also referred to as yo-yo dieting.  There is a significant amount of stress put on the body during large fluctuations in weight, with the majority of the stress occurring when the weight is put back on.  Therefore, the importance needs to focus on trying to maintain the weight that is lost.  Maintaining even a 10% reduction in weight can have a positive impact on a person's health.  The key is consistent exercise and nutrition.  The term dieting should also be avoided here because diets usually have a beginning and an end, usually beginning Monday and ending Friday.  The same occurs with most exercise regimes as well.  The important thought to keep in mind is not looking at nutrition and exercise as a means to only lose weight, but also a way to keep it off.  Many individuals have difficulty because when they cease dieting they quickly return to their old habits.  The key for long term success is to incorporate healthy nutritional and exercise habits into a daily lifestyle.  As soon as you stop the practices that are helping you be successful, your success will often stop as well.  If you are exercising and eating a low calorie diet on a regular basis, then your body will reflect that.  In summary, the body thrives on nutrition and exercise; therefore, they are usually going to be the healthier option.  Even if a person is overweight, it is healthier to be doing some exercise than it is to be sedentary.  However, if you do have any questions or concerns about what specific nutrition or exercise is appropriate always consult your physician or certified exercise specialist first.
 
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