History of weight cycling does not impede future weight loss or metabolic improvements in postmenopausal women

Metabolism. 2013 Jan;62(1):127-36. doi: 10.1016/j.metabol.2012.06.012. Epub 2012 Aug 14.

Abstract

Objective: Given that the repetitive loss and regain of body weight, termed weight cycling, is a prevalent phenomenon that has been associated with negative physiological and psychological outcomes, the purpose of this study was to investigate weight change and physiological outcomes in women with a lifetime history of weight cycling enrolled in a 12-month diet and/or exercise intervention.

Methods: 439 overweight, inactive, postmenopausal women were randomized to: i) dietary weight loss with a 10% weight loss goal (N=118); ii) moderate-to-vigorous intensity aerobic exercise for 45 min/day, 5 days/week (n=117); ii) both dietary weight loss and exercise (n=117); or iv) control (n=87). Women were categorized as non-, moderate- (≥3 losses of ≥4.5 kg), or severe-cyclers (≥3 losses of ≥9.1 kg). Trend tests and linear regression were used to compare adherence and changes in weight, body composition, blood pressure, insulin, C-peptide, glucose, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), C-reactive protein, leptin, adiponectin, and interleukin-6 between cyclers and non-cyclers.

Results: Moderate (n=103) and severe (n=77) cyclers were heavier and had less favorable metabolic profiles than non-cyclers at baseline. There were, however, no significant differences in adherence to the lifestyle interventions. Weight-cyclers (combined) had a greater improvement in HOMA-IR compared to non-cyclers participating in the exercise only intervention (P=.03), but no differences were apparent in the other groups.

Conclusion: A history of weight cycling does not impede successful participation in lifestyle interventions or alter the benefits of diet and/or exercise on body composition and metabolic outcomes.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00470119.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adiponectin / blood
  • Blood Glucose / metabolism
  • Blood Pressure / physiology
  • Body Composition / physiology
  • C-Peptide / blood
  • C-Reactive Protein / metabolism
  • Diet, Reducing*
  • Exercise*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Insulin / blood
  • Insulin Resistance / physiology
  • Interleukin-6 / blood
  • Leptin / blood
  • Linear Models
  • Middle Aged
  • Overweight / metabolism
  • Postmenopause / metabolism*
  • Weight Gain / physiology*
  • Weight Loss / physiology*

Substances

  • Adiponectin
  • Blood Glucose
  • C-Peptide
  • Insulin
  • Interleukin-6
  • Leptin
  • C-Reactive Protein

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT00470119