According to doctor Iago Fernandes, the body reacts to weight loss as if it were in danger, and it is the brain that tries to regain the weight.
Losing weight is often a celebrated achievement, but keeping it off is, for many, the biggest challenge. The accordion effect – when a person loses weight and repeatedly gains it back – is a major complaint of those seeking balance on the scale. According to Dr. Iago Fernandes (CRM/SP 237247), specializing in Psychiatry and Obesity and Weight Loss, the problem is not a lack of discipline, but rather a natural reaction of the brain.
“The brain perceives weight loss as a threat. It reduces metabolism and increases appetite, trying to bring it back to the previous weight,” explains the expert. This response is a biological inheritance: the body has been programmed to resist fat loss, seeing the change as a risk to survival.
How to solve the accordion effect once and for all
To break this cycle, the doctor claims that it is necessary to take care of the mind as well as the body. “Reprogramming eating behavior and working on mental health is essential. Losing weight is easy. The challenge is maintaining it. And this only happens when the patient also changes from the inside,” he says.
According to him, the most effective treatment combines modern drugs, always with medical supervision, a nutritional plan adapted to each person and a therapy focused on the relationship with food. “It’s not just about eating less, but understanding what leads to emotional eating, such as anxiety, guilt and the need for control,” she emphasizes.
Dr. Iago believes that the secret to achieving lasting results is understanding how your body and, more importantly, your mind works. “When the patient identifies his mental factors and builds a new relationship with food, his weight stops fluctuating. The body adapts, but it is the brain that must first be re-educated”, he concludes.
For him, the future of obesity treatment involves the integration of psychiatry, nutrition and neuroscience, areas that together help the patient find a sustainable path to change.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
