Do you recognize this? Your child has worked hard to eat healthier and exercise more. Maybe some pounds are gone, but after a while the weight seems to come back slowly. This is called the yo-yo effect. For many families, this is frustrating and discouraging.

What many people do not know is that this is not only due to food or exercise. Biological processes in the body also play an important role. So it’s not your fault at all. In this blog, we explain the yo-yo effect and how you can support your child with understanding and healthy habits.

What is the yo-yo effect?

The yo-yo effect means that weight that has been lost often returns over time. Many people think this is due to a “lack of discipline,” but that’s not true. New research shows that after weight loss, the body makes adjustments that make it harder to stay at that lower weight.

Why?

Our body “remembers” the old weight and tries to achieve it again. This is called obesogenic memory. It is as if the body has some kind of relapse, even if you eat healthy and exercise enough.

What happens inside the body?

1. Energy usage drops
   When you lose weight, your body burns less energy – even if you are as active as before. This makes it easier to gain weight again.
2. Stronger hunger pangs
   After weight loss, the body produces more of the ghrelin hormone, which causes hunger. At the same time, the hormone leptin, which makes you feel full, becomes less active. This causes your child to feel hungry faster and makes it harder to eat less.
3. Fat cells ‘remember’ obesity
   Even when the fat is gone from our body cells, those cells still behave as if they are full. This makes the body store fat faster. This is called obesogenic memory.
4. Inflammation in adipose tissue
   Obesity causes small inflammations in adipose tissue. After losing weight, these often remain active, disrupting metabolism and encouraging the body to gain weight again.

What does this mean for your child?

The yo-yo effect shows that weight gain is not a matter of weakness or failure. Your child’s body works hard to protect itself, even if it means getting heavier again.

What can you do?

• Make small, achievable changes in daily life. A healthy lifestyle is not about perfection, but balance.
• Slow down: Slow and gradual weight loss can help the body adapt better.
• Support your child with love and understanding. It’s about health and joy, not a number on the scale.

For children: You are more than a number on the scale

Dear children,

Your body is smart. It tries to protect you, even though sometimes it doesn’t feel that way. You may lose weight and then gain it back – that’s not your fault.

What really matters:

• How you feel.
• What your body is capable of, like running, playing and having fun.
• That you enjoy healthy eating and exercise.

You are wonderful, just the way you are.

Tips for parents: how can you help?

1. Make health fun
   Cooking together, dancing in the living room or walking outside – making healthy choices can also be fun and enjoyable.
2. Be an example
   Children learn a lot by watching you. Show how you take good care of your own body, without strict rules or diets.
3. Focus on growth, not weight
   Focus on what makes your child better or stronger. A healthy body means more energy to play and learn, not necessarily fewer pounds.
4. Get help if needed
   Sometimes professional help from a doctor or dietitian is a good choice. Together, you can create a plan that works for your family.

A warmer view of the yo-yo effect

The yo-yo effect can be a big challenge for you and your child, but with understanding and love, you can show your child that health is a journey, not a competition.

Be proud of the steps you take – big or small – and know that you are not alone. Together, we are building a healthy, happy future.