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

ObjectiveGiven 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.Methods439 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.ResultsModerate (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.ConclusionA 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.