Weight Rhythms: Weight Increases during Weekends and Decreases during Weekdays

Background/Aims: The week's cycle influences sleep, exercise, and eating habits. An accurate description of weekly weight rhythms has not been reported yet - especially across people who lose weight versus those who maintain or gain weight. Methods: The daily weight in 80 adults (BMI 20.0-33.5...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Anna-Leena Orsama, Elina Mattila, Miikka Ermes, Mark van Gils, Brian Wansink, Ilkka Korhonen
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Karger Publishers 2014-01-01
Series:Obesity Facts
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.karger.com/Article/FullText/356147
Description
Summary:Background/Aims: The week's cycle influences sleep, exercise, and eating habits. An accurate description of weekly weight rhythms has not been reported yet - especially across people who lose weight versus those who maintain or gain weight. Methods: The daily weight in 80 adults (BMI 20.0-33.5 kg/m2; age, 25-62 years) was recorded and analysed to determine if a group-level weekly weight fluctuation exists. This was a retrospective study of 4,657 measurements during 15-330 monitoring days. Semi-parametric regression was used to model the rhythm. Results: A pattern of daily weight changes was found (p Conclusion: Weight variations between weekends and weekdays should be considered as normal instead of signs of weight gain. Those who compensate the most are most likely to either lose or maintain weight over time. Long-term habits may make more of a difference than short-term splurges. People prone to weight gain could be counselled about the importance of weekday compensation.
ISSN:1662-4025
1662-4033