Yo-yo dieting starts when someone restricts calories one-way or another. This includes restricting carbohydrates, fat, bread, gluten, or meat, and the result is usually a few pounds or more lost. Then, because of the extreme calorie restriction, they eventually indulge in whatever it was that was missing from their life, and eat more than they would on a usual day The guilt from an unsuccessful diet puts an emotional drain on a person and decreases self-esteem. Then, because of the weight gain, they will put themselves back on a "diet". The process is up and down with not only weight but also emotions. I have found more success with weight loss clients by avoiding "dieting". Instead, create a lifestyle plan with a weight loss goal, and more importantly, a goal for a healthier lifestyle that promotes longevity and disease prevention. It also helps increase mental health by decreasing the emotional drain caused by being "on a diet".