Gaining and losing weight repeatedly over time is referred to as what?

The term that describes the pattern of gaining and losing weight repeatedly over time is primarily known as "yo-yo dieting." This phrase encapsulates the concept where individuals engage in cycles of dieting to lose weight, followed by returning to previous eating habits, which leads to regaining weight. This cycle can be harmful to both physical and mental health, as it may contribute to metabolic disturbances and a negative relationship with food.

While "weight cycling" is often used interchangeably with yo-yo dieting, it typically refers more broadly to the fluctuation of weight without emphasizing the dieting aspect as strong as "yo-yo dieting" does. The terms "inconsistent dieting" and "fluctuating weight" lack the specific connotation of the cyclical process of intentional weight loss followed by regain, which is central to the concept of yo-yo dieting. Therefore, "yo-yo dieting" is the most accurate term to describe the phenomenon where individuals repeatedly lose and regain weight in cycles.