Is there an association between weight loss attempts and risk of major weight gain?

Researchers at the Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, set out to answer such a question. 3536 men and 4193 women aged 18 to 54 years at baseline, were followed up for 6 to 15 years. The role of familial factors was studied in 1705 twin pairs in this cohort who were discordant for weight loss attempts at baseline. Baseline (1975) and follow-up (1981 and 1990) data including weight, weight loss attempts (dieting), and selected confounders were obtained via mailed questionnaires. The researchers concluded that weight loss attempts may be associated with subsequent major weight gain, even when several potential confounders are controlled for. Genetic and familial factors may contribute to this association.

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Robert L. Pastore, Ph.D., CNC, CN
Senior Nutritionist at Metabolism.com