A new study finds the practice of losing weight by dieting only to regain it may be frustrating, but will not hurt a persons' ability to lose weight over the long term.
Scientists say this type of "weight cycling" does not have a negative effect on metabolism.
Experts say the findings may be significant because yoyo dieting affects up to 40 percent of the population.
They add a history of unsuccessful weight loss should not dissuade an individual from future attempts to shed pounds.
The study appears on line in this week's Journal Metabolism.
