staging

5 Steps to Ditch Yo-Yo Dieting for Good

I was 14 years old when I learned the term "yo-yo dieting." Ironically, I read it in a diet book. Tired of being chubbier than the rest of my teenage friends, I decided to try the latest crash diet—and it worked. I lost seven pounds in seven days, only for it to return within 48 hours of stopping the diet.

My instant success and rapid rebound triggered an unhealthy obsession that would last 20-plus years. Yo-yo dieting took my body to extremes of weight loss and weight gain, time and time again, until I decided enough was enough. Was there an a-ha moment? Actually, it was more like a three-alarm wake-up call.

One morning, considering yet another fad diet, I put down the latest best-seller and dug into a different kind of research. I was alarmed to learn that the psychological effects of weight cycling, a clinical term for yo-yo dieting, can be more detrimental than its physical effects. Alarm number two sounded when I read that studies have reported an increased risk of life dissatisfaction and binge eating among yo-yo dieters. Alarm number three came in the form of my own total disappointment, frustration and exhaustion.

The good news is that you can ditch yo-yo dieting for good. Seven years ago, I tossed out all my diet books, took a deep breath (lots of them, actually), and finally found balance in my life. Here's how you can do it, too.

About the Author

Sara Lindberg |

Sara Lindberg is a freelance writer focusing on health, wellness, and fitness. She holds a bachelor's degree in exercise science and a master's degree in counseling. Her work has been featured in SELF, Healthline, Active.com, Verywell, LIVESTRONG, Headspace, Health, INSIDER, Men's Health, Runner's World, Bicycling Magazine, SheKnows, and Everyday Health among others.
Sara Lindberg is a freelance writer focusing on health, wellness, and fitness. She holds a bachelor's degree in exercise science and a master's degree in counseling. Her work has been featured in SELF, Healthline, Active.com, Verywell, LIVESTRONG, Headspace, Health, INSIDER, Men's Health, Runner's World, Bicycling Magazine, SheKnows, and Everyday Health among others.

Discuss This Article