The truth about weight regain and how to control it: this is what science says
If you've ever lost weight with a strict diet… only to gain it back weeks later, you're not alone. In Mexico, more than 70% of adults are overweight or obese, and the dreaded "yo-yo" effect is more common than we think. But don't worry: it's not a lack of willpower.
Why do strict diets fail?
When we drastically stop eating or follow a fad diet, the body goes into alert mode. For it, this isn't a "summer plan": it's a potential famine. And it responds with two very powerful mechanisms.
1. Your metabolism slows down. Your body activates its "energy-saving mode" and uses less energy. Even if you eat very little, your body becomes adept at storing fat to "survive."
2. Your hunger hormones become unbalanced. Ghrelin, the hormone that triggers hunger, increases. Leptin, the satiety hormone, decreases. The result? Constant hunger, food cravings, and regaining the lost weight.
The medical team at Clivi, a digital clinic specializing in weight management, explains it this way:
“After a very restrictive diet, the body still believes it is in danger. The metabolism remains slow and the appetite skyrockets, causing the rebound effect.”
So diets don't work? What does work, according to science?
Temporary diets only address the symptom, not the cause. To achieve real and lasting change, the approach must be medical, comprehensive, and personalized.
What does that mean?
- Psychological support
- Progressive physical activity
- Continuous monitoring
The specialists at Clivi are clear on this: “There is no single medicine or method that works for everyone. A medical ecosystem is needed that combines nutrition, psychology, and continuous clinical monitoring.”
The reality: managing your weight is complicated… but today it's easier than ever. Scheduling appointments, traveling, getting tests done, filling prescriptions… controlling your weight can be exhausting. That's why digital solutions like Clivi have emerged, integrating everything in one place:
- Virtual medical consultations
- Weekly tracking
- Laboratory analysis
- Home delivery of medications
This not only simplifies the process but also improves outcomes, because it allows for monitoring each patient's actual progress. As Dr. Bernardo, an endocrinologist at Clivi, explains: “Chronic weight problems aren't solved in a single appointment. They require ongoing support, monthly adjustments, and a medical team that works with up-to-date information.”
Losing weight is no longer just a matter of diet: it's about health.
Today, medicine focuses on improving metabolic health, reducing cardiovascular risks, and preventing diseases like type 2 diabetes, in addition to aiding weight loss. Ricardo Moguel, CEO of Clivi, summarizes it this way: “The rebound effect doesn't have to be inevitable. With sustainable habits and ongoing medical support, you not only lose weight: you gain energy, well-being, and years of life.”
