By Marcela Barillas
Diets usually do not lead to sustainable long-term weight loss for several reasons:
Restrictive nature: many diets involve severe restrictions in terms of calorie intake, food choice, or macronutrient composition. Although these restrictions may lead to initial weight loss, they are difficult to maintain over the long term, leading to feelings of deprivation and frustration.
Metabolic adaptation: when calorie intake is drastically reduced, the body’s metabolism can slow down as a survival mechanism. This means that your body burns fewer calories at rest, making it harder to continue losing weight or maintain lost weight.
Psychological impact: diets can create an unhealthy relationship with food, fostering feelings of guilt, shame, and anxiety about eating. This can lead to emotional eating and further weight gain.
Nutrient deficiencies: some diets eliminate entire food groups or drastically limit certain nutrients, which can lead to long-term health complications and deficiencies.
Yo-yo dieting: rapid weight loss through extreme diets followed by weight regain (known as yo-yo dieting) can be harmful to health and make long-term weight loss even more difficult.
Focusing on weight rather than health: diets often prioritize weight loss over overall health. Successful long-term weight management should involve making healthier choices that improve overall well-being, rather than simply focusing on the number on the scale.
Long-term weight management requires addressing the underlying behaviors and habits that contribute to weight gain. Diets often focus on short-term changes and do not provide the necessary tools for sustainable behavior change.
To lose weight in a sustainable and long-term manner, it is important to shift away from temporary diets and adopt a balanced eating pattern based on whole foods, increase physical activity, manage stress, and develop healthier lifestyle habits. Consulting with a healthcare professional can provide personalized guidance and support to achieve weight loss goals on a sustainable basis.
Source: Esto es azúcar