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🇰🇷 South Korea /Health & Science

Three Reasons Why You Don't Lose Weight Even If You Eat Less and Move More

From Dong-A Ilbo · () Korean

Translated from Korean and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Many people fail to lose weight or regain it due to 'yo-yo effect' despite reducing intake and increasing exercise.
  • Experts cite three main reasons: 'obesity memory' where fat cells retain a 'set point,' environmental factors increasing unconscious eating, and 'energy compensation' where the body conserves energy after exercise.
  • Strategies like varying exercise routines periodically may help overcome these challenges, though diet remains crucial for weight loss.

Losing weight is a struggle, and maintaining that loss is even harder. While the principle of creating a 'calorie deficit' by eating less and moving more is sound, many find themselves failing or experiencing the dreaded 'yo-yo effect.' This isn't just a matter of willpower; experts point to complex biological and environmental factors at play.

The principle of creating a 'calorie deficit' by eating less and moving more is sound. However, in reality, many people fail to lose weight or experience the 'yo-yo effect' shortly after losing weight.

· Article summaryIntroduction to the challenges of weight loss.

One significant factor is 'obesity memory.' Research suggests that during obesity, fat cells alter their gene expression. Even after weight loss, these cells may retain a 'memory' of their previous state, tending to revert to the 'set point' of being heavier. This biological tendency makes sustained weight loss a significant challenge, as the body actively works against the new, lighter state.

One significant factor is 'obesity memory.' Research suggests that during obesity, fat cells alter their gene expression. Even after weight loss, these cells may retain a 'memory' of their previous state, tending to revert to the 'set point' of being heavier.

· Article explanationExplaining the biological basis for weight regain.

Furthermore, our modern environment constantly bombards us with food temptations. Easy access to delivery services and pervasive advertising mean we are perpetually exposed to food. This is compounded by hormonal changes after weight loss that can increase appetite. The result is an unconscious increase in food intake, undermining weight loss efforts. Additionally, the body engages in 'energy compensation' after exercise; we might unconsciously reduce overall daily activity, sit more, or decrease subtle movements, thereby conserving energy and negating some of the calories burned through workouts.

Furthermore, our modern environment constantly bombards us with food temptations. Easy access to delivery services and pervasive advertising mean we are perpetually exposed to food.

· Article explanationHighlighting environmental factors contributing to weight regain.

To combat this, strategies like varying exercise routines are proposed. Instead of a constant regimen, alternating between high-calorie-burning aerobic activities and strength training every few weeks might prevent the body from fully adapting and initiating energy conservation. While diet remains the cornerstone of weight loss, exercise plays a vital role in preventing weight regain and offers numerous other health benefits, including longevity and reduced risk of chronic diseases. Understanding these complex mechanisms is key to developing sustainable weight management strategies.

Additionally, the body engages in 'energy compensation' after exercise; we might unconsciously reduce overall daily activity, sit more, or decrease subtle movements, thereby conserving energy and negating some of the calories burned through workouts.

· Article explanationDescribing how the body conserves energy post-exercise.
About this summary

Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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