Aims/Introduction In this meta-analysis, we aimed to explore the association between bodyweight cycling (weight fluctuation) and the risk of developing diabetes. Materials and Methods We analyzed data from eligible cohort studies that assessed the association between weight cycling in adults and the risk of developing diabetes from online databases PubMed, Cochrane Library and EMBASE databases (1966 to April 2020). We pooled data using relative risks (RRs) with a random effects model. Results A total of 14 studies involving 253,766 participants, including 8,904 diabetes events, were included. One study included eight independent reports, resulting in 21 reports in 14 studies. Summary analysis showed that individuals who suffered weight cycling had a higher risk of diabetes (RR 1.23. 95% confidence interval 1.07-1.41;P = 0.003). However, the association between weight cycling and the risk of developing diabetes was not observed in obese participants (body mass index >= 30 kg/m(2);P = 0.08). Conclusions The present meta-analysis showed that weight cycling was a strong independent predictor of new-onset diabetes. Future studies are required to detect the causal links between weight cycling and the risk of developing diabetes.