Researchers from the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom found that regaining weight after ending a diet can lead to a worsening change in body composition, with a person gaining more fat than before losing the weight. results published In the journal Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism (DOM).
622 adults at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes were invited to the study. Volunteers had previously participated in a program where they were required to increase their level of physical activity by walking to reduce the chance of contracting this disease. For their study, the scientists used data on the weight and body composition of volunteers recorded as part of the program. Every 12 months, participants were weighed and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) was performed. It reflects the amount of lean and fat mass.
Researchers found that muscle mass decreased in participants who participated in an activity program and lost their gains and regained weight a year or two after completing the program. At the same time, a similar volume of fat mass was gained as before losing weight. Researchers explained that replacing muscle mass with fat accelerates the aging of the body. Long-term consequences of this weight gain can include weakness and difficulty moving in old age.
Previously researchers in Russia to create A way to slow down aging.