Why some are born to be yo-yo dieters

IF you’re genetically disposed to gaining weight, you might be comforted to hear you are also more likely to diet successfully.

This is according to a Harvard University study, which may explain why yo-yo dieting, whereby people pile back on the pounds as soon as they’ve lost them, is so common.

It also helps clarify why some people find dieting far more difficult than others.

What someone eats and how much they exercise remains the main driver of body weight but scientists are increasingly aware that genetics also play an important part. The researchers tracked more than 14,000 people in the US from 1986 to 2006, analysing their gene variants, diet changes and recording their weight every four years.

And those calculated as being at high genetic risk of obesity were most likely to lose weight if they replaced alcohol, sugar and red meat with fruit, veg and grains.

The scientists wrote in the British Medical Journal: ‘This underlines the importance of improving adherence to healthy dietary patterns. Genetic predisposition is no barrier to successful weight management.’