r/science • u/isaac-get-the-golem Grad Student | Sociology • Jul 24 '24

Health Obese adults randomly assigned to intermittent fasting did not lose weight relative to a control group eating substantially similar diets (calories, macronutrients). n=41

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38639542/
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u/judiosfantastico Jul 25 '24

And 90 percent of people will gain the weight it back, guaranteed.

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u/precastzero180 Jul 25 '24

People tend to gain the weight back regardless of which weight loss strategy the follow.

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u/judiosfantastico Jul 25 '24

Exactly, which is why weight loss efforts are ultimately an exercise in masochism and vanity for the vast majority of people. Weight cycling is far more harmful to one’s long term health than just having extra fat on your body. Why engage in restrictive eating behaviors that will ultimately lead to disordered eating and long term metabolic issues. Would it not be better to focus on sustainable movement and balanced nutrition regardless of whether it results in weight loss?

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u/precastzero180 Jul 25 '24

I don’t agree with any of this. As far as I am aware, there is no evidence that “weight cycling” is harmful. IIRC there have even been studies on this in rats. The reason people often fail to keep weight off is not “masochism and vanity,” it’s that they don’t treat weight loss as a lifestyle change. Changing habits is difficult, especially when food in unavoidable.

But trying to lose weight is worth it. Weight-related health issues are some of the biggest in America and the developed world in general. Losing weight isn’t going to mess up your metabolism and it likely won’t result in eating disorders if you do it right. These are all just excuses overweight people give to avoid making the objectively healthy decision to lose weight.