An American study presented to the American Heart Association shows once again that cardiovascular risk factors are impacted in women who alternate weight gain and periods of diet.
Lose weight, then gain it back: this is called the “yo-yo” diet and several studies have already shown that it has potentially harmful effects on the risk of cardiovascular disorders. The study conducted by Dr. Brooke Aggarwal of Columbia University in New York, the results of which are presented on Medical News Today confirms this risk after work carried out with 485 women with an average age of 37 years.
Participants reported how many times in a year they lost at least 10 pounds (5 kg) before gaining weight back. And the researchers assessed their health using “Live’s Simple 7”, the criterion used by the American Heart Association, which brings together 7 modifiable risk factors to measure a person’s heart health (smoking, physical activity, weight, diet , blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure).
65% less chance of being in the optimal range
73% of women said they had experienced at least one episode of weight loss and regain. The study shows that they were 65% less likely to be in the optimal range of “Life’s Simple 7”, the range where the risk of heart disease and stroke is the lowest.
“We need to identify the critical periods for the effect of weight fluctuation on heart disease risk over the lifetime to determine if the situation worsens when women begin roller coaster diets at an early age. “, says Dr. Brooke Aggarwal.
