Why weight loss gets harder after repeated dieting
Two people can follow the same weight-loss plan and see very different results, with one steadily losing weight while the other experiences repeated losses and gains.
According to dietitian and sports nutritionist Fatima Al Alawi, previous dieting attempts can be an important factor, particularly when earlier methods involved severe calorie restriction or poor nutrition.
She said every attempt to lose weight involves eating fewer calories, but the effect on metabolic rate depends on how the diet is carried out.
Healthy, planned weight loss based on evidence has a limited effect, she said. However, deprivation, skipping meals, and inadequate protein intake can negatively affect the body’s response.
Repeated cycles of losing and regaining weight can leave people struggling to achieve the same results as someone attempting weight loss for the first time, Al Alawi said.
She advised people experiencing repeated fluctuations to seek guidance from a dietitian and identify the habits contributing to the cycle.
Patience, understanding individual needs, and having appropriate professional support are key to maintaining a healthier approach to weight loss, she said.
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