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Relation between self-reported weight cycling history, dieting and bio-behavioral health in Japanese adult males

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Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine Aims and scope

Abstract

Background

Epidemiological findings suggest that weight fluctuations are associated with unfavorable health outcomes compared with stable weight. However, the interrelationship between the weight cycling history and dieting status in a non-clinical male trial on the risk for bio-behavioral health is unclear.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to examine the relation between weight cycling history as a result of intentional weight loss and bio-behavioral health in Japanese adult males.

Method

A cross-sectional study was performed on a group of 146 Japanese working males (47.5±9.3 yr.). Each subject completed a series of self-reported questionnaires in which information about weight cycling history, current dieting practices, life-styles, and social background were assessed. Results of the physical check up were used to assess biological parameters. Self-reported weight cycling was defined as intentionally losing 10% of one's weight and regaining the lost weight.

Results

Cyclers reported a significantly greater incidence of current dieting and recent weight gain compared with non-cyclers. Taking regular meals, eating breakfast everyday, and not eating snacks between meals every day were significantly less frequent among cyclers compared with non-cyclers after controlling for BMI. The adjusted odds ratio for AST abnormality was 5.46 (95% CI: 1.08–27.67), ALT abnormality was 3.31 (95% CI: 1.24–8.78), and γ-GTP was 3.38 (95% CI: 1.07–10.67) among cyclers, compared with noncyclers.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that a history of weight cycling in men, regardless of current weight status, is associated with adverse bio-behavioral health. The risk for several liver enzyme abnormalities associated with weight cycling history was substantial, independent of relative body weight and lifestyle factors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Preventive Medicine & Public Health, Tokyo Medical University, Japan, 6-1-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, 160-8402, Tokyo, Japan

    Sawako Wakui, Yuko Odagiri, Tomoko Takamiya, Shigeru Inoue, Ritsuko Kato, Yumiko Ohya & Teruichi Shimomitsu

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  1. Sawako Wakui
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  2. Yuko Odagiri
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  3. Tomoko Takamiya
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  4. Shigeru Inoue
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  6. Yumiko Ohya
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  7. Teruichi Shimomitsu
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Wakui, S., Odagiri, Y., Takamiya, T. et al. Relation between self-reported weight cycling history, dieting and bio-behavioral health in Japanese adult males. Environ Health Prev Med 6, 248–255 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02897977

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02897977

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