History Of Weight Cycling Research Articles

The relationship between psychological distress and weight maintenance in weight cycling: mediating role of eating behavior

BackgroundObesity is a global public health concern. The goal of this study was to see if eating habits could mediate the relationship between psychological distress and weight maintenance in a population with a history of weight cycling.MethodsA 3-month outpatient intervention consisting of a diet and exercise program was provided to 153 participants. Psychological distress, appetite, and behavior were assessed at the beginning and end of the study. Anthropometric measurements were taken at baseline and six months.ResultsAfter the structural equation model was developed, it was discovered that the psychological status of people with obesity and weight cycling histories correlated with the weight loss outcome effect (three and six months). This effect was mediated by factors related to eating behavior. Associative psychological factors had a direct effect on eating behavior (three months: β = 0.181, 95% CI: 0.055–0.310; six months: β = 0.182, 95% CI: 0.039–0.332) and appetite had a direct effect on eating behavior (three months: β = 0.600, 95% CI: 0.514–0.717; six months: β = 0.581, 95% CI: 0.457–0.713), both of which were significant (p < 0.01). At three months, psychological distress has a more substantial positive impact on weight change, with eating behavior acting as a partial mediator. At six months, there was no support for appetite’s moderating role in eating behavior.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that psychological interventions should be strengthened to improve weight loss effectiveness, particularly in participants with a history of weight cycling, making weight loss more complicated and prone to rebound.Clinical trial registrationThe study has been registered in Clinical Trials (NCT05311462).

Associations between adverse childhood experiences and history of weight cycling.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) predict obesity onset; however, the relationship between ACEs and history of weight cycling has not been adequately explored. This gap is problematic given the difficulty in weight loss maintenance and the impact of ACEs on obesity development, chronicity, and associated weight stigma. The objective of this study was to examine associations between self-reported history of ACEs and weight cycling in a sample of weight loss treatment-seeking adults with overweight/obesity. The number of participants in the analyzed sample was 78, mostly white educated adult women (80% female, 81% Caucasian, 75%≥bachelor's degree) with excess adiposity enrolled in the Cognitive and Self-regulatory Mechanisms of Obesity Study. ACEs were measured at baseline using the ACEs Scale. History of weight cycling was measured using the Weight and Lifestyle Inventory that documented weight loss(es) of 10 or more pounds. Higher ACE scores were associated with a greater likelihood of reporting a history of weight cycling. Participants with four or more ACEs had 8 times higher odds (OR=8.301, 95% CI=2.271-54.209, p=0.027) of reporting weight cycling compared with participants with no ACEs. The association of weight cycling for those who endorsed one to three ACEs was not significant (OR=2.3, 95% CI=0.771-6.857, p=0.135) in this sample. The role of ACEs in health may be related to associations with weight cycling. Results indicated that those who reported four or more ACEs had significantly higher odds of reporting weight cycling compared with those with no ACEs. Further research is needed to further explore how ACEs predict the likelihood of weight cycling, which may be prognostic for sustained weight loss treatment response and weight stigma impacts.

Weight management behaviours mediate the relationship between weight cycling, BMI and diet quality among US Army Soldiers.

Weight cycling is prevalent in sports/professions with body composition standards, and has been associated with weight management behaviours that may contribute to suboptimal diet quality and weight gain. US Army Soldiers may be at increased risk of weight cycling relative to civilians due to mandated body composition standards. However, the relationship between weight cycling, weight management behaviours, BMI and diet quality among Soldiers is unknown. In this cross-sectional study, 575 Soldiers (89 % enlisted, 90 % male, 23 ± 4 years) at Army installations at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, AK, Joint-Base Lewis McChord, WA, and Fort Campbell, KY completed questionnaires on food frequency, health-related behaviours and history of weight cycling (≥ 3 weight fluctuations ≥ 5 % body weight). Weight cycling was reported by 33 % of Soldiers. Those who reported weight cycling reported higher BMI (27 ± 4 v. 25 ± 3 kg/m2, P < 0·001) and higher prevalence of engaging in weight management behaviours prior to body weight screening but did not report lower dietary quality (Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI) scores 59 ± 10 v 59 ± 11, P = 0·46) relative to those who did not report weight cycling. Results of mediation analyses suggested that weight cycling may affect BMI both directly (c' = 1·19, 95 % CI: 0·62, 1·75) and indirectly (ab = 0·45, 95 % CI: 0·19, 0·75), and HEI scores indirectly (ab = 0·69, 95 % CI: 0·20, 1·35) through the adoption of weight management behaviours. Weight cycling is common in Soldiers and is associated with higher BMI and higher prevalence of engaging in weight management behaviours that mediate associations between weight cycling, BMI and diet quality.

Abstract 037: History Of Weight Cycling Is Prospectively Associated With Shorter And Poorer Quality Sleep, And Higher Sleep Apnea Risk In Diverse Us Women: Results From The AHA Go Red For Women Strategically Focused Research Network

Introduction: Poor sleep and history of weight cycling (HWC) are associated with worse cardiovascular health, yet limited research has evaluated the association between HWC and poor sleep patterns. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that HWC would be associated with poor sleep in US women. Methods: The AHA Go Red for Women Strategically Focused Research Network cohort at Columbia University (n=506, mean age 37 ± 15.7y, 61% racial/ethnic minority) was used to evaluate cross-sectional associations of HWC and sleep characteristics at baseline, and prospective associations of HWC from baseline with sleep measures at 1-yr. HWC, defined as losing and gaining ≥ 10 lbs at least once (excluding pregnancy), and number of WC episodes were self-reported. Sleep duration, measures of sleep quality, insomnia severity, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) risk were assessed using the validated Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Insomnia Severity Index, and Berlin questionnaire. Linear and logistic regression models, adjusted for age, race/ethnicity, education, health insurance status, pregnancy history, and menopausal status, were used to evaluate the relation of HWC with sleep. Results: Most women reported ≥1episode of weight cycling (72%). In linear models of cross-sectional and prospective data, each additional weight cycling episode was related to shorter sleep duration, poorer sleep quality, longer sleep onset latency, greater insomnia severity, more sleep disturbances and daytime dysfunction, lower sleep efficiency, and higher sleep medication use frequency. In logistic models, HWC (≥1 vs. 0 episodes) was associated with greater odds for short sleep, poor sleep quality, long sleep onset latency ≥26 min, high OSA risk, and sleep efficiency&lt;85% ( Table ). Conclusion: HWC predicted poor sleep among women, suggesting that weight maintenance may represent an important strategy to promote sleep health. Long-term studies are needed to disentangle the complex relations between weight fluctuations and sleep across the life course.

History of Weight Cycling Is Prospectively Associated With Shorter and Poorer-Quality Sleep and Higher Sleep Apnea Risk in Diverse US Women.

Poor sleep and history of weight cycling (HWC) are associated with worse cardiovascular health, yet limited research has evaluated the association between HWC and poor sleep patterns. The American Heart Association Go Red for Women Strategically Focused Research Network cohort at Columbia University (n = 506; mean age, 37 ± 15.7 years; 61% racial/ethnic minority) was used to evaluate the cross-sectional associations of HWC and sleep at baseline and the prospective associations of HWC from baseline with sleep at the 1-year visit. History of weight cycling, defined as losing and gaining 10 lb or more at least once (excluding pregnancy), was self-reported. Sleep duration, sleep quality, insomnia severity, and obstructive sleep apnea risk were assessed using the validated Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Insomnia Severity Index, and Berlin questionnaires. Linear and logistic regression models, adjusted for age, race/ethnicity, education, health insurance status, pregnancy history, and menopausal status, were used to evaluate the relation of HWC with sleep. Most women reported 1 or more episodes of weight cycling (72%). In linear models of cross-sectional and prospective data, each additional weight cycling episode was related to shorter sleep duration, poorer sleep quality, longer sleep onset latency, greater insomnia severity, more sleep disturbances, lower sleep efficiency, and higher sleep medication use frequency. In the logistic models, HWC (≥1 vs 0 episodes) was associated with greater odds for short sleep, poor sleep quality, long sleep onset latency (≥26 minutes), high obstructive sleep apnea risk, and sleep efficiency lower than 85%. History of weight cycling predicted poor sleep among women, suggesting that weight maintenance may represent an important strategy to promote sleep health. The potential bidirectional relationship between HWC and sleep requires further investigation.

Self-Reported Weight Cycling Is Associated with Adaptive Thermogenesis in Individuals with Overweight and Obesity

Abstract Objectives We aimed to examine the association between self-reported weight cycling (WC) history and the presence of adaptive thermogenesis (AT) in overweight and obese individuals. Methods Data for this analysis were collected during baseline visits of participants enrolled in an ongoing weight loss study, the Personal Diet study. The sample was limited to participants who had reported attempting weight loss prior to enrollment. Body composition (fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM)) and resting energy expenditure (REE) were measured via bioelectrical impedance analysis and indirect calorimetry, respectively. Weight and dieting history was obtained via investigator-generated questionnaire, and WC was defined as the reported number of successful weight loss attempts of ≥5 lbs since age 18. Predicted REE (REEp) was determined using a multiple regression model including FM (kg), FFM (kg), and age. AT (kcal/day) was defined as the difference between predicted and measured REE (REEm-REEp). Pearson's correlations and multivariable models were run using SAS 9.4. Results Complete datasets for both WC and REE were collected from 121 participants. Participants (n = 5) with AT ± 2 SD were considered outliers and excluded from this analysis. The sample was mostly female (70%), with a mean age of 59 ± 12 years and a BMI of 34.1 ± 4.8 kg/m2. AT ≥100 kcal/day was found in 41 participants (35%). Mean number of weight cycles was 8.6 ± 5.7, with 49 participants (42.2%) reporting ≥10 cycles. WC was positively associated with AT after adjusting for sex (P = 0.018). Conclusions As predicted, WC is common in individuals with overweight and obesity and was significantly associated with AT. However, the clinical relevance of AT is unknown. Therefore, future directions should include an assessment of the effect of WC and AT on weight loss success. Funding Sources The Personal Diet study is supported by the American Heart Association.

Psychological and weight history variables as predictors of short-term weight and body fat mass loss.

SummaryObjectiveIdentifying predictors of early weight loss may have value in predicting longer‐term success in weight loss programmes. This study examined if weight history variables (ie, weight cycling history [WCH], age of onset of obesity [AOO]), and preintervention Three‐Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ) and Power of Food Scale (PFS) scores predicted weight loss (WL) and fat mass loss (FML) following a 3‐week calorie restriction intervention.MethodsThirty‐two participants (19‐60 y; body mass index [BMI] 30‐39.9 kg/m2) participated in a 3‐week calorie restriction intervention (1120 kcal/d) as part of a larger clinical trial with 28 completers included in the current analyses. Preintervention WCH, AOO, TFEQ, and PFS subscale scores were collected, and WL and FML were measured. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to predict WL and FML for relevant covariates in this study.ResultsWCH, AOO, preintervention TFEQ subscale scores, and PFS subscale scores did not predict WL (all Ps > .08) or FML (Ps > .06) except, PFS‐food tasted scores significantly predicted WL (r = −0.40, P = .03).ConclusionAlthough these variables were not robust predictors, results for at least the PFS suggest there may be value in further exploring this measure using larger sample sizes.

Associations of weight cycling with cardiovascular health using American Heart Association's Life's Simple 7 in a diverse sample of women.

Prior research shows that weight cycling is associated with poorer cardiovascular health (CVH). Women experience unique life events (e.g. pregnancy, menopause) which may make them more prone to weight cycling. Examining the influence of weight cycling history (HWC) on CVH, quantified using the American Heart Association's Life's Simple 7 (LS7), may provide novel targets to improve CVH. A cross-sectional sample of 485 women at Columbia University Irving Medical Center (2016-2018) were scored on each LS7 metric (BMI, blood pressure, fasting cholesterol and glucose, physical activity, diet, and smoking): 0 (low), 1 (moderate) or 2 (high). Metric points were summed into a composite LS7 score as a measure of CVH: 0-8 (low), 9-10 (moderate), 11-14 (high). Multivariable-adjusted logistic and linear regression models were used for the associations between HWC and CVH. Most women (73%) reported HWC (range: 0-20); 26% had low CVH and 74% moderate/high CVH. Logistic models showed HWC was associated with higher odds of having poor CVH [OR (95%CI): 2.39 (1.36-4.20)]. Linear models showed each additional weight cycling episode was associated with lower LS7 scores [ß(SE): -0.37 (0.07); p < 0.01]. Associations between HWC and odds of having poor CVH were stronger among pre-menopausal women and those with no pregnancy history (p-interaction = 0.009, 0.004, respectively). In conclusion, HWC was associated with higher odds of poorer CVH with stronger associations seen in pre-menopausal and women with no pregnancy history. These findings suggest that in addition to having a healthy weight, maintaining a consistent weight may be important for achieving optimal CVH, but warrant prospective confirmation.

Abstract P332: Weight Cycling is Associated With Poorer Cardiovascular Health Assessed Using AHA’s Life’s Simple 7 in a Diverse Sample of Women Encompassing Different Life Stages

Introduction: Prior research has shown weight cycling, the repetitive pattern of weight loss and regain, is associated with increased CVD risk. There is limited evidence on the association of history of weight cycling (HWC) with cardiovascular health (CVH) metrics from the AHA Life’s Simple 7 (LS7). Hypothesis: We hypothesized that HWC is associated with poorer CVH in women and that these associations may vary by menopausal status and/or pregnancy history. Methods: This was a cross-sectional analysis of 485 women enrolled in the AHA Go Red for Women Strategically Focused Research Network. HWC, defined as losing and gaining ≥ 10 lbs at least once (excluding pregnancy) was self-reported. Participants were given scores of 0 (poor), 1 (moderate) or 2 (high) for each AHA LS7 metric (BMI, BP, total cholesterol, glucose, physical activity, diet and smoking). Metric scores were summed into a composite AHA LS7 CVH score: 0-8 (poor), 9-10 (moderate), 11-14 (high). Logistic regression was used to evaluate associations of HWC with AHA LS7 metrics and composite. Models were stratified by menopausal status and pregnancy history due to a statistically significant multiplicative interaction. Results: The majority of women (mean age 37±16y, BMI 26±6 kg/m 2 ), 73%, reported ≥ 1 HWC episode, and 26%, 34% and 40% of women had poor, moderate, and high CVH respectively. HWC was associated with lower odds of meeting the BMI metric or moderate or high AHA LS7 composite score, but not with other CVH metrics ( Table ). In stratified analyses, HWC was associated with lower odds of having a high AHA LS7 score in both pre- and post-menopausal women, but only in women who had never been pregnant. Conclusion: HWC was associated with lower odds of meeting the BMI metric and poorer CVH as assessed by AHA LS7 composite score. Associations were stronger in women with no pregnancy history. These findings suggest that in addition to having a healthy weight, maintaining a consistent body weight may be important for achieving ideal CVH, but they warrant prospective confirmation.

Weight cycling and cardiovascular outcome in women with suspected ischemia: A report from the NHLBI-sponsored WISE Study.

BackgroundWe previously reported in a cross-sectional analysis an adverse relationship between weight cycling and HDL-cholesterol but not angiographic obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) among women undergoing coronary angiography for suspected ischemia in the NHLBI-sponsored Women’s Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation (WISE). We now examine the relationship between weight cycling and prospective adverse cardiovascular outcome in this group.Methods795 women enrolled between 1996–2001 in the WISE undergoing coronary angiography for evaluation of suspected ischemia and followed for a median of 6.0 years (interquartile range = 3.4 years). Adverse outcome was defined as a composite of all-cause death, cardiovascular mortality, non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke, and hospitalization for heart failure. Weight cycling was defined as the intentional loss of at least 10 lbs. (4.5 kgs.) at least three times during the women’s lifetime.ResultsWomen (n = 224) who reported a history of weight cycling were younger; more often white and better educated compared those without this history. At baseline, women with a weight cycling history had lower HDL-C values, higher body mass index, larger waist circumferences and higher values for fasting blood sugar, but no difference in obstructive CAD prevalence or severity. There was an inverse relationship between weight cycling and adverse composite cardiovascular outcome, whereby fewer of women with a history of weight cycling experienced an adverse outcome as compared to non-cyclers (21% vs 29%, respectively, p = 0.03).ConclusionsDespite an adverse association with HDL-cholesterol in women undergoing coronary angiography for suspected ischemia, weight cycling was associated with a lower adverse outcome rate in women with suspected ischemia.

“The Weight Is Even Worse Than the Cancer”: Exploring Weight Preoccupation in Women Treated for Breast Cancer

Cancer-related changes in body weight are problematic given that excess weight is associated with an increased risk of cancer reoccurrence and mortality. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the experiences of weight-concerned women treated for early-stage breast cancer. A purposeful sample of women were selected based on criteria for high weight and body image concerns ( n = 11; Mage = 65.31 ± 10.96 years). Each participant engaged in a one-on-one semi-structured interview. Five themes were identified: weight concerns contributed to psychological distress, prevalent history of weight cycling and ongoing quest to manage weight, shifting psychological impact of cancer versus weight, perceptions of failure around goal-oriented weight management behaviors, and internalized and explicit social pressures for weight loss in the context of risk reduction. In light of the fundamental challenges of weight management, and the present findings, improving weight-related distress should be a clinical priority to improve the well-being of women in survivorship.

Comparison of body composition changes between low calorie high protein diet to standard protein in obese individuals with weight cycling – a randomised trial

Background:The world prevalence of obesity in adult population in 2014 was nearly 13% while in Indonesia, it has reached 32.9% in the same year. Obesity is an established risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. A large proportion of people who had succeeded to reduce body weight failed to maintain it (weight cycling). Studies were inconclusive about the best composition in the diet for such people. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the body composition changes resulted from low calorie high protein and standard protein diet programme in obese people with history of weight cycling.Methods:This is an open-randomized clinical trial of weight loss program as a part of a larger study researching the effect of low calorie high protein diet to body composition, oxidative stress, inflammation marker and metabolic syndrome in obese with weight cycling. A total of 61 adult obese men and women with history of weight cycling were recruited. Subjects were assigned to low calorie diet and were randomly distributed into two intervention groups, namely high protein group (22-30 % of total calories intake) and standard protein group (12-20%). Anthropometry and body composition data were taken at baseline and at the end of the study. Subjects were followed up to 8 weeks with daily reminder and weekly counselling.Results:Fourty five participants completed the study. There were significant reductions in in body weight and body mass index (BMI), fat mass, fat mass percentage, muscle mass, and gain in muscle mass percentage occurred in both groups (Standard protein: P&lt;0.001; High protein: P&lt;0.001 for all variables except for fat mass P= 0,001) with no difference between group (P&gt;0.05).Conclusion:Calories deficit with either high protein or standard protein for 8 weeks brought about significant reduction in body composition

Comparison of plasma malondialdehyde and glutathione levels between low calorie high protein diet to standard protein in obese individuals with weight cycling – a randomised trial

Background: Increasing BMI increases the risk of developing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Oxidative stress is believed to be the underlying mechanism. A significant proportion of people who have previously succeeded in reducing body weight acquire subsequent weight gain (weight cycling). The current study aimed to evaluate the effects of low calorie diets, either with high or standard protein on plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels in obese people with a history of weight cycling. Methods: A clinical trial was conducted in a worker’s health centre in Jakarta. Participants were assigned to a caloric restriction diet, with two different intervention groups; a high protein/HP group (22-30% of total caloric intake from protein) and a standard protein/SP group (12-20% protein). The diet programme was applied for 8 weeks with daily reminders and weekly counselling. 61 participants were recruited. 54 participants completed the programme but only 15 subjects had their MDA and GSH level measured pre- and post-treatment. Plasma MDA and GSH levels were measured according to Will’s method and Ellman’s method, respectively. Results: The mean changes of MDA levels after completing the diet programme in the HP and SP group were 0.031 + 0.124 and -0.034 + 0.363 nmol/ml plasma, respectively. Meanwhile, the mean changes of GSH levels in the HP and SP group were -0.059 + 0.1673 and -0.034 + 0.363 µg/ml plasma, respectively. No statistical significance were found between the mean difference of plasma MDA and GSH level changes among both groups. Conclusions: Changes in MDA and GSH levels after high protein or standard protein low-calorie diet intervention for 8 weeks were not significantly different. Protein proportion in the low calorie diet does not affect the change in oxidative stress state for obese individuals with weight cycling. Trial registration number: NCT03374150

Comparison of hs-CRP level between low calorie high protein to standard protein diet in obese individuals with weight cycling - a randomised trial

Background: Obesity is associated with various health problems. Low-grade inflammation is a condition found in obese people and contributes to the development of various diseases. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of calorie restriction diet with high-protein (HP) or standard protein (SP) to inflammation marker (hs-CRP) in obese individuals with weight cycling. Methods: 61 healthy obese men and women (25 – 49 years old) with a history of weight cycling were recruited and were randomly assigned to one of the intervention groups, HP or SP groups. Both groups were suggested to reduce their daily caloric intake by 1000 kcal with regular physical activity for 56 days. Subjects in HP group were given a daily protein intake of 22-30% from total daily caloric intake, while SP group were prescribed 12-20%. Dietary consultation was conducted through daily reminder by phone and weekly counseling. The measurement of hs-CRP level was performed prior to and at the end of the intervention. Results: 54 subjects completed the program, yet due to several reasons only 32 of them were measured for hsCRP before and after completing the program, 15 from HP group and 17 from SP group. After completing the 56-day diet program, SP group experienced reduction of hs-CRP by -0.446 + 4.239, while HP underwent increase by 0.135 + 2.389. The mean difference of change in hs-CRP level between the two groups were not statistically significant (P=0.094). Conclusion: Low calorie diet with either HP or SP for 8 weeks significantly reduced body weight (P&lt;0.001) and BMI (P&lt;0.001) in healthy obese subjects but the difference of change in the hs-CRP level between them were not significant. The protein composition of a low calorie diet may not affect the inflammatory state of obese individuals with weight cycling. Trial registration number: NCT03374150

Mental health consequences of weight cycling in the first-year post-treatment for breast cancer

Objectives: Weight cycling is linked with advanced breast cancer diagnosis, increased risk of cancer reoccurrence and cancer-related mortality. While women treated for breast cancer report challenges with navigating their post-treatment body shape and weight, the effects of weight cycling on body image and mental health have not been elucidated. This study examined associations between weight changes and weight cycling on psychological health (i.e. weight-related guilt, shame and depressive symptoms) among women in the first-year post-treatment.Design and Outcome Measures: Self-reported assessments of pre-cancer weight cycling, post-treatment weight-related guilt, shame and depressive symptoms, and objective assessments of weight were assessed in a longitudinal sample of 173 women treated for breast cancer (Mage = 55.01 ± 10.96 years).Results: Based on findings from multilevel models, women experienced the most weight-related shame when their weight was heavier than their personal average. Additionally, heavier weight was associated with worse psychological health, particularly for women with a history of stable (vs. cycling) weight pre-cancer.Conclusions: Weight cycling pre-cancer and post-treatment weight change have important implications for psychological well-being. Due to the potential psychological consequences associated with a history of weight cycling, targeted strategies are needed to improve overall health outcomes for women’s survivorship after breast cancer.

Body Weight Cycling with Identical Diet Composition Does Not Affect Energy Balance and Has No Adverse Effect on Metabolic Health Parameters.

Background: Body weight (BW) cycling, the yo-yo effect, is generally thought to have adverse effects on human metabolic health. However, human and animal experiments are limited in number and do not provide clear answers, partly due to large variations in experimental design, parameters measured, and definitions of BW cycling. Here, we examined the effect of repetitive BW cycling versus single- and non-cycling control groups, without alterations in diet composition, on steady state BW and metabolic parameters. Methods: We induced well-defined BW cycles on a semi-purified high fat diet in C57BL/6J mice, a well-described animal model for diet-induced obesity, and measured energy expenditure and relevant metabolic parameters. Results: Our setup indeed resulted in the intended BW changes and always reached a stage of energy balance. A history of weight cycling did not result in increased BW or fat mass compared with the control group, nor in deteriorated serum concentrations of glucose, adipokines and serum triglyceride and free fatty acid (FFA) concentrations. If anything, BW tended to be reduced, presumably because of a reduced overall energy intake in BW cycling animals. Conclusion: Repeated cycling in BW without changes in diet composition does not lead to impaired metabolic health nor increased BW (gain).

Association of Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Visceral Fat and Weight Cycling History in Pre-menopausal Women.

Weight cycling (WC), or repeated bouts of intentional weight fluctuations are common among overweight and obese women and have been linked to various cardiometabolic health risks such as visceral fat (VF) accumulation. Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), independent of weight loss, is a known counter measure to health risks and VF. Although, WC has been positively associated with increases in VF, this association may be confounded by age and/or physical activity status. PURPOSE: This cross sectional study explored the association of multiple factors (i.e., AGE, WC and CRF) on VF and investigated WC as a potential moderator on the relationship between CRF and VF among pre-menopausal women. METHODS: 41 overweight and obese (BMI = 30.4 ± 6.2 kg/M2) pre-menopausal (age = 31.0 ± 5.6 yrs) women were assessed. Dichotomous WC groups were established from the number of self-reported WC bouts and total weight lost per bout. WC (n = 19) was defined as ≥ 3 cycles of ≥ 10 lb; and Non-WC (n = 22) was defined as not meeting WC definition. Additionally, a weight cycling index (WCI) was constructed to form a continuous variable. WC due to pregnancy and illness were excluded from the totals. CRF was determined with indirect calorimetry using a cycle ergometer protocol to peak VO2, and VF volume (cm3) was assessed with CoreScan software (iDXA, GE Lunar). Correlation and multiple regression analysis were used to examine the relationship between VF and potential predictors, and possible moderator effects. RESULTS: Significant (p < .001) differences between WC vs. Non-WC groups were found for AGE (33.1 + 3.7 vs. 29.3 + 6.4 yr); BMI (34.6.1 + 5.7 vs. 26.7 + 3.8 kg/M2); VF (1257.2 + 1033.0 vs. 426.6 + 547.0 cm3); and CRF (24.1 + 5.7 vs. 31.0 + 6.5 ml/kg/min). The strongest association was found between CRF and VF (R = -0.718, p < .001). The regression model with four factors (AGE, WCI, CRF, WC x CRF) was significant (R2 = .570, p ≤ .001); however, only CRF significantly predicted VF (p ≤ .001). The WC x CRF interaction was not significant (p = .150) with a [INCREMENT]R2 = .026, predicting only 2% of VF. Thus, no moderator effect was detected. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest the relationship between CRF and VF was independent of WC status and that CRF was the most influential factor predicting VF among overweight and obese pre-menopausal women with a history of weight cycling.

Effect on 12-week Intensive Dietary and Exercise Program on Weight Reduction and Maintenance in Obese Women with Weight Cycling History.

This study examined the effect of 12-week intensive dietary and exercise intervention program on body composition and stress-related hormones in obese women and to examine the residual effect after the intervention. The participants of this study were 30 obese women who had a body mass index of over 25 kg/m2 and over 30% in body fat. They were classified into 2 groups depending on the history of weight cycling (WC); the WC group (≥ ±5% of the original body weight) and the non-weight cycling (NWC) group. Both groups were subject to a nutritional intervention program every 2 weeks with a mandatory exercise intervention for 12 weeks. Thereafter, the nutrition/exercise interventions were ceased for 12 weeks, after which the participants' levels of the hormones relating to energy metabolism and stress, meal intakes, dietary habits, level of knowledge on sodium intake, frequency of sodium intake, and quality of life (QOL) were checked. The changes of body weight were 71.3 ± 5.5 kg (week 0) vs. 65.0 ± 6.6 kg (week 12) vs. 65.6 ± 7.1 kg (week 24) in WC group and 71.6 ± 8.6 kg (week 0) vs. 68.8 ± 9.7 kg (week 12) vs. 70.3 ± 9.4 kg (week 24) in the NWC group. The levels of hormones, meal intakes, and QOL scores were better in the WC group, as adherence to the nutritional intervention was higher. We suggest that that adherence to dietary habits heavily influences weight loss and maintenance in individuals who frequently attempt to lose weight and consequently go through a vicious cycle of weight recycling.

Abstract 12888: Risk of Sudden Cardiac Death and Coronary Heart Disease Mortality in Postmenopausal Women With History of Weight Cycling

Introduction: Elevated midlife body mass index (BMI) is associated with sudden cardiac death (SCD) and coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality. However, it is not known whether weight cycling across adulthood increases risk of SCD and CHD mortality. Hypotheses: Weight cycling will be associated with risk of SCD and CHD mortality. This association will vary by baseline BMI. Methods: Prospective cohort study of 158,063 post-menopausal women from the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI). Self-reported weight history during adulthood was categorized as stable weight, steady gain, maintained weight loss, and weight cycling. SCD was defined as a sudden loss of consciousness within one hour of the onset of symptoms with a documented loss of pulse in a previously stable individual without evidence of non-cardiac cause of the arrest. CHD mortality was determined by physician-adjudicated review of medical record reviews. Cox proportional hazard models estimated age- and multivariate-adjusted hazards ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Over 11.4 years of follow-up (1,798,063 person-years), 2526 CHD deaths occurred and 83 SCDs were adjudicated by strict criterion. Compared to stable weight, weight cycling was associated with greater risk of SCD and CHD mortality among women who were normal weight at WHI enrollment (HR=3.44 95% CI: 1.25-9.45 for SCD; HR=1.66, 95% CI: 1.38-2.01 for CHD mortality). Weight cycling was not associated with SCD or CHD mortality among overweight or obese women (Table). Neither steady weight gain nor weight loss were associated with risk of SCD or CHD mortality (Table). Conclusions: Weight cycling during adulthood in post-menopausal women may increase the risk of SCD as well as CHD mortality. This association appears strongest in normal BMI women.

Weight cycling in bipolar disorder

BackgroundAn association between excess weight and/or weight fluctuations and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality is amply documented. Individuals with bipolar disorder (BD) are differentially affected by overweight/obesity, chaotic eating patterns (e.g., binge eating), as well as cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Weight cycling (WCYC) is defined as a pattern of repetitive weight loss and gain. MethodsWe sought to determine the relationship between course of illness and BD and WCYC retrospectively as well whether these co-occurring phenotypes identify a biologically distinct subpopulation on the basis of having a unique inflammatory biomarker/biosignature profile. Sociodemographic, clinical, and inflammatory markers were gathered from a well-characterized cohort of actual euthymic adults with BD (n=101) and a healthy control group (n=48). ResultsIndividuals with BD with a history of WCYC were provided evidence of a greater frequency of prior episodes (i.e., both manic and depressed), as well as of significantly higher levels of circulating IL-6 concentrations when compared to non-WCYC individuals with BD. The association persisted after adjusting for relevant covariates (e.g., BMI, age, number of prior episodes). LimitationsInclude the small control group, differing medication status and that all data relies on personal information. Nevertheless we tried to verify all data as far as clinical disclosure was available. ConclusionThe results of this study indicate that adults with BD excessive in weight are not only more susceptible to a relapse-prone course of illness, but also are more likely to present with WCYC. The finding of elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines in this subpopulation may identify a separate subpopulation with greater susceptibility to cardiovascular disease. The overarching aim of personalized treatment and preventive strategies in BD begins with appropriate, empirically supported patient stratification. Our results provide preliminary support for stratifying BD cardiovascular risk on the basis of anthropometrics and WCYC.