03/10/2022
After completing a structured weight loss program, participants are only able maintain about 17-29% of weight lost after 4 years. (If they maintain any at all)*
In a long-term study of bariatric surgery patients, only 40% maintain at least a 30% weight loss after 12 years.**
There was no significant difference in total body percentage of adipose tissue in controls vs patients undergoing liposuction at 1 year. The adipose tissue simply redistributes in alternative portions of the body.***
WHY DOES THIS HAPPEN?:****
“Studies involving energy restriction, or very low adiposity, report decreases in leptin, insulin, testosterone, and thyroid hormones. Subsequently, increases in ghrelin and cortisol have been reported with energy restriction. Further, there is evidence to suggest that unfavorable changes in circulating hormone levels persist as subjects attempt to maintain a reduced body weight, even after the cessation of active weight loss. Low energy intake and minimal body fat are perceived as indicators of energy unavailability, resulting in a homeostatic endocrine response aimed at conserving energy and promoting energy intake.”
What’s the answer? Find a better measure of health-promotion instead of the scale. Reach out if you need help with that.
References included in the comments 👇🏻