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Trapped within a cycle? An in-depth exploration of the experiences of yo-yo dieters

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 January 2009

H. I. A. Qazi ,
Y. M. Jeanes  and
H. C. Keval
H. I. A. Qazi
Affiliation:
Roehampton University, London, UK
Y. M. Jeanes
Affiliation:
Roehampton University, London, UK
H. C. Keval
Affiliation:
Roehampton University, London, UK
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Abstract

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Yo-yo dieting is a very common and widespread phenomenon in the Western world, yet little research has been carried out on the experiences and impact yo-yo dieting has on individuals There is no precise definition of ‘yo-yo’ dieting, as it is quite a vague term. Weight lost and then regained can be described as a single weight cycle. Nevertheless, the number of cycles required to satisfy the criteria of weight cycling varies across studies, which in turn makes it difficult to ascertain the occurrence of yo-yo dieting. However, because dieting is so prevalent, and relapses are likely to occur, yo-yo dieting is assumed to be widespread(Reference Lahti-Koski, Männistö, Pietinen and Vartiainen1). A very general and broad definition of weight cycling or yo-yo dieting is: going on and off a diet at various times, which consequently causes the weight to be lost and regained(2, Reference Brownell and Rodin3, Reference Muls, Kempen, Vansant and Sais4, Reference Ronzio5). Studies carried out to evaluate psychological effects in yo-yo dieters have shown contradictory results(Reference Lahti-Koski, Männistö, Pietinen and Vartiainen1,2,6–Reference Friedman, Schwartz and Brownell12).

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of yo-yo dieting on social and psychological well-being and to explore and analyse the dietary, psychological and socio-cultural experiences of yo-yo dieters through the use of qualitative methodology. Literature on physiological, psychological and sociological factors and the media and its influence on yo-yo dieters has been reviewed in this research. Data were collected by conducting semi-structured interviews with women who yo-yo diet. The semi-structured interview was aimed at examining the impact of yo-yo dieting on individuals, and if the impact was negative, why they continued yo-yo dieting. Amongst the various analyses available in qualitative research, this research made use of thematic analysis(Reference Bartlett, Wadden and Vogt11–Reference Fereday and Muir-Cochrane15) to derive themes from the data.

Analysis identified the following themes:

References

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