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Weight Loss: Why Do So Many People Rebound?

Are you losing weight for likes and comments on the transformation post that you would upload on your social media, only to regress a few weeks later? Do you want to just let it be; or quit the weight loss program? Of course not. Nobody will agree to either of these. Although reality paints a different picture about the adherence and dropout rates, despite fully knowing the risks and dangers of obesity. Adherence and compliance are crucial in successful obesity management. It refers to the behavior of an individual relative to the medical and professional advice including diet and lifestyle modifications, and physical activity participation. Many individuals don’t end up completing their journey. It’s not an easy process as it is, and a few additional factors make it worse. You might be wondering why are we talking about the negatives at all, but trust me. Knowing about the reasons will help you relate and understand that you’re not alone here.


Mental stress, anxiety, body shape concerns, binge eating disorders, and depression can be terrible companions for one’s pursuit of being lean. Psychological issues have been linked with obesity in both ways, as a cause and effect. Unemployment and living alone might lead to diminished participation, while self-motivation is an important predictor of attendance. A previously failed weight loss attempt may cause hardships as well. Self-monitoring, though tedious, is a useful tool for compliance. On the other hand, being overly conscious of food and exercise may stress the individual, pushing them off track. Physical activity, exercise, and diet, if planned and followed religiously can significantly improve mood and possibly pull a person out of this unhealthy vicious cycle.

Higher initial body weight and BMI can frustrate people, especially if there isn’t a significant change within 2 months of being on the plan. This is especially true if one is compliant, thus leading to an early dropout. In addition to the above physical factors, a larger waist circumference also predicts failure of adherence and could be attributed to body shape consciousness.

The ability to carry out the exercise sessions and follow the diet plan may play a great role, as lower aerobic fitness and higher glucose intolerance have been reported to be associated with lower attendance and subsequent attrition from the program. Especially when you’re unable to keep up every day and it feels like a drag, both mentally and physically, there will be a depletion of self-motivation. Resolve is limited in most people, and with the difficulties faced, it can be absolutely shattered.

You’re already halfway there when you start, but won’t get anywhere if you stop midway. I agree if you say that it’s not a very motivating article, rather it is quite the opposite. My intent was to educate the masses about the complexities of the process. Most important is to stay put, and trust yourself and the process. Nobody should feel ashamed or lesser of themselves while approaching a professional for guidance, as they are specifically qualified to help you fulfill your target and to ensure that you don’t rebound.


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