Biobehavioral effects of weight cycling

An association between weight cycling and mortality and morbidity has been pointed out in epidemiological studies. However, the mechanisms underlying this association are difficult to demonstrate, and earlier studies have been contradictory. In this work we investigated several mechanisms which have been suggested as possible mediators for the association between weight cycling and a number of prevalent diseases. Fat consumption, fat preference, fat distribution and metabolism, lipid profile, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), blood pressure and steroid hormone determinations were performed in 28 women with or without a weight cycling history, who were matched for weight and age. No differences were found between cyclers and non-cyclers for any of the behavioral, physiological, metabolical and health parameters measured, with the exception of an increase in subcutaneous abdominal fat in the cyclers. It was concluded that, in generally healthy young women, weight cycling does not differentially increase risk factors that are harmful for health. However adverse effects might still be detectable in situations where women are biologically challenged.