Lee Jang-woo, Lost 22kg But Now Has Chubby Cheeks, What's Happening?

Is it a yo-yo effect? Actor Lee Jang-woo, who once shed pounds and flaunted a muscular body, recently revealed a fuller figure.

Lee Jang-woo posted a picture on social media enjoying food. In the photo, he is wearing yellow sunglasses and holding a plate of meat. Unlike his lean appearance after dieting, now he has chubby cheeks.

Previously, Lee Jang-woo lost 22kg in just four months. He garnered attention by taking fitness photo shoot with TV personalities Jun Hyun-moo and comedian Park Na-rae on MBC's entertainment program "I Live Alone."

The Yo-Yo Effect After Dieting: Increase Risk of Diabetes and Cardiovascular Diseases

Lee Jang-woo seems to be experiencing the yo-yo effect. This can happen for various reasons, mainly due to not maintaining exercise and dietary habits post-diet or using incorrect dieting methods from the start.

Frequent yo-yo effect is harmful to health. This can lead to muscle loss, replaced by fat. Increased body fat raises insulin resistance, potentially leading to diabetes, and negatively impacts cardiovascular health. A study from Columbia University in the U.S. indicates that the yo-yo effect is linked to cardiovascular diseases, with the risk increasing with repeated diet failures.

How to Prevent the Yo-Yo Effect: Consume 500 Fewer Calories Daily

To prevent the yo-yo effect, it’s essential to adopt proper dieting habits. Extreme diets trigger the yo-yo effect. Instead of eating one type of food or crash dieting, a long-term diet over at least six months is recommended.

After dieting, it’s crucial to maintain a flexible eating plan to sustain a slim figure. Instead of strict calorie control, reducing intake by about 500Kcal while ensuring three meals a day helps replenish nutrients, prevents overeating, and reduces snacking. Having breakfast can curb mid-morning hunger, reducing the likelihood of high-calorie snacks, and preventing binge eating at lunch and dinner.

Regular exercise is essential even after finishing a diet

Exercise should not be abandoned. Both aerobic and strength training are necessary. While not needing the same intensity of aerobic exercise as during dieting, for health, it’s beneficial to do 30 minutes of aerobic exercise at least three times a week.

Strength training is essential. Muscles burn calories and increase the basal metabolic rate. A higher basal metabolic rate means fewer nutrients turn into fat despite the same intake. Lack of muscle lowers the basal metabolic rate, making it easier to gain weight. Focusing on lower body muscle training twice a week is effective.

Regular weighing also helps maintain post-diet weight. Regular weighing helps better understand one’s body and improve dietary and exercise habits. Studies show that those who weigh themselves at least once a week are six times more likely to lose over 5% of their body weight compared to those who don’t. However, if accompanied by eating disorders like bulimia or anorexia, frequent weighing can negatively affect mental health.