Loss of muscle mass is usually the underlying problem associated with losing and gaining the same weight over and over again. The problem occurs when people lose "weight" and the weight is comprised of lean muscle rather than the unwanted fat. Muscle is active tissue that requires energy to exist. It is metabolically active and burns seventy times as many calories as fat. Therefore, losing muscle leaves the dieter with a slower metabolism, making it easier to gain weight and harder to lose. It's a vicious cycle called Yo-Yo dieting.
To further complicate the matter, loss of muscle occur naturally as part of the aging process IF you don't do anything to prevent. The good news is you can prevent loss of muscle mass with regular strength training and a well-balanced, real food diet. Better yet, with a progressive weight training program, you can gain muscle mass at ANY age.
