Amazingly, this is not an isolated finding - in fact, several studies have found that dieting is actually a consistent predictor of future weight gain. For example, one study found that those who participated in formal weight-loss programs gained significantly more weight over a two-year period than those who had not participated in a weight-loss program.
Apart from the negative implications of this cycle of repeated failure, evidence also suggests that repeatedly losing and gaining weight is linked to a number of serious diseases, including:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Strokes
- Diabetes
- Damaged immune function
The researchers' conclusion? "Diets do not lead to sustained weight loss or health benefits for the majority of people."
