How can I avoid the yoyo effect?
The yoyo effect is a spectre in the world of weight loss. It describes a seemingly inevitable consequence that occurs after the diet phase: The lost weight is gained again and sometimes even more is added. Indeed, many graduates of a strict diet report these consequences.
The cause is usually that with diets absurd ways of life are followed, which often cannot be maintained in the everyday life further. Many people fall back into old patterns after a diet and simply eat above their daily requirements. An increase is inevitable.
Many diets also aim at a short-term, large weight loss.It is overlooked that the lost weight is mainly water. If the glycogen stores of liver and muscle are replenished after a diet with normal eating habits, a certain amount of water is automatically stored by the body. This is often considered an “increase”.
If there is an actual loss of body fat due to a long-term reduced calorie intake, the body also needs less energy overall than before. It simply needs less mass to be heated. In order not to gain weight again after a diet, it is important not to eat above your actual energy requirements.
The body stores any additional energy in the form of fat reserves. The yoyo effect is simply a myth that persists. Those who do not eat more than they actually need after a diet will not gain weight.