Promoting Homeostasis To Avoid Rebound Weight Gain In Yo-Yo Dieters

Rebound weight gain is more often the rule than the exception and the reason may not be lack of willpower. Recent findings in the study of weight homeostasis have uncovered a host of orexigenic and anorexigenic hormones working to keep a stable healthy weight. When energy stores are depleted through dieting, overcompensation to replenish them often occurs. Overeating is one of the homeostatic responses. However, there are other involuntary responses to hunger that lower metabolism, reduce thyroid hormones, and produce fat cells. Traditional weight control advice to cut down on caloric intake may inadvertently trigger the compensatory mechanism that lead to rebound weight and yo-yo dieting. Tuning into homeostatic cues to prevent excessive hunger without getting too full is the hallmark of intuitive eating. Tips are given on how to eat intuitively in order to promote homeostasis. Supporting homeostasis will help keep weight stable and prevent weight cycling and rebound weight gain that often accompanies dieting. WEIGHT CYCLING THE RESULT OF DIETING Cyclic weight gain and loss (yo-yo dieting) is a common problem with potentially more negative health effects than overt obesity.1, 2, 3,4 The phenomenon of weight gain after weight loss is more common than keeping the weight off after a weight loss plan.5,6 The weight regain that often occurs may in part be responsible for the excess weight plaguing much of the developed and developing world.7,8 The dual existence of record numbers of dieters, and overweight individuals may not be the paradox it appears.9,10,11,12 Physiologic research is now uncovering reasons why the more most of these individuals diet the heavier they become. As health care providers concerned with the health of patients, advanced practice nurses (APN) might want to examine the standard for patient education around weight control.13 In light of two decades of discoveries in the field of weight homeostasis, the upshot appears to be that cutting down and eating less may be at the root of much yo-yo dieting and the excess weight seen in chronic dieters.14 This paper will examine the wisdom of this advice in light of the effects hunger has on the complex system of weight homeostasis. Finally, a step-by-step alternative that providers can give patients will be provided.