Association between weight cycling and risk of developing diabetes in adults: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract

Aims/Introduction: In this meta-analysis, we aimed to explore the association between bodyweight cycling (weight fluctuation) and the risk of developing diabetes. Materials and Methods: We analyzed data from eligible cohort studies that assessed the association between weight cycling in adults and the risk of developing diabetes from online databases PubMed, Cochrane Library and EMBASE databases (1966 to April 2020). We pooled data using relative risks (RRs) with a random effects model. Results: A total of 14 studies involving 253,766 participants, including 8,904 diabetes events, were included. One study included eight independent reports, resulting in 21 reports in 14 studies. Summary analysis showed that individuals who suffered weight cycling had a higher risk of diabetes (RR 1.23. 95% confidence interval 1.07-1.41; P = 0.003). However, the association between weight cycling and the risk of developing diabetes was not observed in obese participants (body mass index ≥30 kg/m 2 ; P = 0.08). Conclusions: The present meta-analysis showed that weight cycling was a strong independent predictor of new-onset diabetes. Future studies are required to detect the causal links between weight cycling and the risk of developing diabetes.

Exercising for Insulin Sensitivity – Is There a Mechanistic Relationship With Quantitative Changes in Skeletal Muscle Mass?

“…It is hypothesized that the reduced energy expenditure due to reduced SM mass will contribute to weight regain and deterioration of body composition, a phenomenon coined fat overshooting. However, this fat overshooting phenomenon appears to be attenuated in obese individuals ( Jacquet et al, 2020 ; Dulloo, 2021 ) and, accordingly, the risk of developing T2D ( Zou et al, 2020 ) or cardiovascular diseases ( Zou et al, 2019 ) does not appear to be greater with weight cycling in initially obese individuals. This discrepancy between normal weight and overweight to obese individuals could be attributable to the “less essential FFM” theory, which was suggested by Marks and Rippe (1996) as an explanation to the observed benefits of decreasing total FFM after weight loss in severely obese individuals ( Marks and Rippe, 1996 ).…”

Weight Regain and Breast Cancer–Related Biomarkers Following an Exercise Intervention in Postmenopausal Women

“…Unfortunately, the data available suggest that approximately 80% of participants who achieve weight loss will experience approximately 50% weight regain within one year following the end of the intervention (13)(14)(15)(16). Regular physical activity participation and reduced energy and fat intake are important for long-term weight maintenance, influencing the relationship between postintervention weight regain and adverse health outcomes (17)(18)(19). The Women's Health Initiative Observational Study reported associations between weight gain and weight cycling (intentional weight loss and subsequent weight regain) with an increase in postmenopausal breast and endometrial cancer risk (20).…”

Workplace wellness programs targeting weight outcomes in men: A scoping review

“…80 This "yo-yo" effect is frequently seen among fad dieters, 81 and there is evidence to suggest that this incidence is associated with adverse health effects. 80,82,83 This is further highlighted in a recent systematic review by Zou et al, 82 which included 14 different cohort studies and a total of 253,766 participants. The meta-analysis revealed that those who suffer from weight cycling had a higher risk (RR: 1.23.…”

“…1.07-1.41; p = 0.0003) of developing Type 2 diabetes. 82 Other studies have suggested that chronic weight cycling can reduce resting energy expenditure, which makes it more difficult to lose weight, as well as increasing the propensity to regain weight. 83 This may be as a result of loss of lean muscle mass during periods of weight loss, followed by weight regain being primary non-metabolically active fat mass.…”