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Is weight cycling clinically harmful?
Faidon Magkos1, Norbert Stefan2
1Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
The Lancet. Diabetes & Endocrinology
|May 14, 2026
Summary
Weight cycling, or repeated weight loss and regain, does not causally harm people with obesity. The health benefits of intermittent weight reduction outweigh potential risks of weight fluctuation.
Area of Science:
- Metabolic Health
- Obesity Research
- Body Composition
Background:
- Weight cycling is common, with many attempting weight loss.
- Concerns exist that weight cycling may harm metabolism and body composition.
- Potential risks include increased fat mass, decreased lean mass, and exacerbated obesity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate evidence on weight cycling's effects.
- To investigate impacts on bodyweight, composition, and metabolism.
- To discuss strategies for mitigating weight regain.
Main Methods:
- Review of human and animal studies.
- Critical evaluation of existing research.
- Discussion of potential confounding factors.
Main Results:
- Current evidence does not support a causal link between weight cycling and clinical harm.
- Adverse effects are likely circumstantial, not directly caused by weight cycling.
- Benefits of intermittent weight reduction appear to outweigh risks.
Conclusions:
- Weight cycling per se is not clinically harmful in individuals with obesity.
- Observed adverse effects may be due to other factors like aging or cumulative obesity.
- Intermittent weight reduction offers benefits that exceed potential risks of weight fluctuation.
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