Kang Jae-joon's 32kg Weight Loss Rebound: 'Extreme Diet Was the Problem'

Comedian Kang Jae-joon is once again committing to a weight loss journey after experiencing significant weight regain following a previous 32 kg reduction. Kang revealed his current weight is 93 kg, down from 101 kg a few months ago, during an appearance on the YouTube channel 'With Sean'.

Kang, who had previously showcased his fitness efforts on his own YouTube channel '멧돼지러너' (멧돼지러너), has set a new target weight of 77 kg. He expressed remorse for disappointing fans who witnessed his "yo-yo" effect after he was once portrayed as a running evangelist. "I felt sorry and decided to diet," he stated.

The comedian identified psychological shifts and overly restrictive dieting as the primary causes of his past weight regain. He explained that periods of not being able to run led to feelings of depression and frustration, which in turn triggered a return to drinking and other unhealthy habits. "When I tried dieting, I should have mixed it with regular food in moderation, but I went on such an extreme diet that it was mentally taxing," Kang recalled.

Weight regain, or the "yo-yo" effect, occurs when individuals regain lost weight, sometimes exceeding their initial weight, after a period of dieting. Extreme weight loss or severe dietary restrictions can cause the body to adapt by reducing energy expenditure, leading to a decrease in basal metabolic rate. Returning to previous eating habits under these conditions, where calorie intake exceeds the body's reduced energy needs, results in rapid weight gain. The risk of this effect is further amplified if muscle mass is lost during the dieting process.

To prevent the yo-yo effect, experts recommend a gradual approach to body composition improvement through sustainable habits rather than extreme short-term diets. Maintaining muscle mass through strength training and adhering to a balanced diet can help prevent a decline in basal metabolic rate. Continuing healthy eating habits and exercise even after reaching the target weight makes long-term weight management more manageable.