Why Diets Don’t Work

Research clearly shows that dieting to loose weight without exercising doesn't work. Even those of us who lose weight on a diet generally regain most or all of the weight within a couple of years.

That’s not to say that once you’re overweight there’s no chance to reach and maintain a healthy weight. It just means that the way most diets are set up often leads to failure.

• Eating is only half the equation. Lifetime weight management is not just about what you eat. It requires physical activity as well.

• Diets deprive you. Many diets involve eliminating certain foods or even whole food groups. This is not only unhealthy but also unrealistic for the long term.

• Dieting actually lowers your metabolism. When you cut back on calories, your metabolism tends to slow down. You burn fewer calories and the diet becomes even less effective. Worst of all, this slowdown can last after the diet ends. Exercise can increase your metabolism and muscle mass. Increased muscle mass maintains a higher metabolism even when not exercising.

• Many diets don’t fit into normal life. Weighing and measuring food may help you lose weight, but they aren’t practical as long-term strategies for most people.

• Dieting can be expensive. Buying special “diet” foods can rack up a big bill quickly.