Losing weight through healthy lifestyle programs benefits the heart. It reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease or Type 2 diabetes, even for yo-yo dieters, according to a new study by researchers working with the American Heart Association. The study analyzed data from 124 reports with over 50,000 participants and found that the positive effects of weight loss lasted for at least five years, even if the weight was regained.
Gaining weight after weight loss is a barrier to offering support
University of Oxford’s diet and population health professor and the study’s senior author Susan Jebb said that the study found that many doctors and patients believe weight loss followed by weight regain weight loss attempts pointless, which creates a barrier to offering support.
However, losing weight effectively reduces the risk of Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In addition, participants in an intensive weight loss program had lower risk factors for these diseases than those in less intensive or no weight loss programs.
The diet-induced reduced risk factors persisted for a minimum of five years. In addition, the individuals showcased decreased blood pressure, elevated high-density lipoprotein levels, and a diminished possibility of acquiring cardiovascular illness or diabetes, notwithstanding regaining the lost weight.
Can yo-yo dieters sustain weight loss for a long?
Prof. Jebb emphasizes the significance of these alterations since they indicate positive changes in the overall population. Nevertheless, whether yo-yo dieters can sustain the advantages over time remains uncertain. Most research has only monitored participants for 28 months, with few investigations surpassing the five-year threshold. Further information is necessary to validate the continued benefits of yo-yo dieting.
According to Jebb, most trials focus on short-term weight change rather than long-term effects on disease. Small studies cannot detect differences in cardiovascular conditions, which affect only a small proportion of the group. The studies may also not continue long enough to observe the effects of new diagnoses of Type 2 diabetes or heart attacks. The researcher concludes that the findings reassure that weight loss programs can effectively prevent cardiovascular disease risk factors.
