The term yo-yo dieting refers to a dieter who follows a diet religiously for a couple of weeks, loses some weight, goes off their diet and then regains the weight. For many, this constant cycle of going on and off their diets is a reality. However, it is damaging to your waistline and not to mention your health. And recent research is showing that this type of dieting is extremely detrimental to men in particular.

According to Reuters, a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that cycling body weight in men might lead to gallstone formation. In the study, those men that lost and gained weight had a 21% increased risk of developing gallstones. Gallstones, as defined by the Mayo Clinic are solid deposits of cholesterol or calcium salts that form in your gallbladder or nearby bile ducts.

Following a vicious cycle of gaining and losing weight can be damaging to your health and psychological health as well. Those that yo yo diet find it difficult to keep the weight off permanently as their body has become accustomed to drastic fluctuations. That’s why it’s important to avoid fad diets and to follow a balanced meal plan and regular exercise program.