Let’s talk about something many of us wonder after dieting: “Why do I gain the weight back even faster after I worked so hard to lose it?”
Hello, beautiful people!
Why does our weight come back faster after loss? Let’s explore this through real scientific data and studies.
- Resting Metabolic Rate Drops with Dieting—and Stays Low
Initial weight loss is often accompanied by a loss of muscle mass, which leads to a drop in resting metabolic rate (RMR).
The bigger issue is that even when weight is regained, RMR doesn’t fully recover.
In one study:
Participants lost an average of 58kg over 30 weeks,
But regained 41kg over 6 years,
While their RMR remained 704 kcal/day lower than baseline.
This persistent metabolic adaptation means that even eating significantly less—like skipping two meals a day—may not be enough to maintain weight.
Moreover, once you’ve lost weight and regained it, the body tends to protect itself even more.
It shifts into a more aggressive energy-conserving mode, making it easier to gain weight with the same or even less food intake.
- Hunger Hormones Work Against You
After weight loss, your body doesn’t just quietly adjust,
—it fights back hormonally.
Ghrelin (the hunger hormone): Increases after weight loss.
Satiety hormones: Decrease, making you feel less full.
In one study with 50 overweight individuals:
After a very low-calorie diet for 10 weeks, participants reported Stronger hunger and cravings even after losing weight.
Over the following year, their weight began creeping back.
Your body actively tries to return to its previous state, making it harder to resist food and easier to gain back what you’ve lost.
- Long-Term Weight Maintenance Is Rare
In a global survey of 14,500 people:
81% reported attempting serious weight loss at least once. On average, they tried 4 times in their life.
But only 11% were able to maintain at least 5% weight loss for over a year.
That means 9 out of 10 people experience weight regain after dieting.
So, What Can We Do?
Understanding these biological responses is key. Focus on gradual, sustainable weight loss. Preserve muscle mass during dieting. Make long-term lifestyle changes, not quick fixes.
Weight loss isn’t just a goal—it’s a long-term dialogue with your body.
Have questions? Leave a comment and let’s connect.
Stay radiant and confident!
Dr.Soomin