Why Diets Don't Work

Facts about Dieting:

Americans are dieting at the highest rate in history
20-24% of American men and 33-40% of American women are activley dieting to lose weight
An additional 28% of American men and women are dieting to maintain weight
The diet industry is a multi-billion dollar industry. Over the past 20 years, the diet industry in the US has tripled its gross annual income to a staggering $50 billion.

Dieting has Risks

Dieting may contribute to obesity
America's obsession with thinness may actually contribute to obesity
Obesity rates are at a historical high; nearly 1 out of every 3 Americans is considered to be obese
Dieting can lead to eating disorders
59% of individuals entering treatment for eating disorders considered a prolonged period of dieting as a precipitating event to the onset of their disorder

Diets Do Not Necessarily Lead to Weight Loss

Why Dieting Does Not Lead to Lasting Weight Loss

Research shows that weight is to a great degree, genetically determined
The goal of dieting is that the body uses its stored form of energy to make up for the energy . This works in theory but not in practice
The body defends against weight loss both physiologically and psychologically
The psychologically changes the occur when food intake is decreased include preoccupation with food and feelings of deprivation accompionied by intense food cravings.
The compilation of psychological changes often leads to stopping the diet or to an overeating episode or binge. As the body has decreased energy needs at this time, the liklihood that the dieter will gain weight is high.
Physiological defenses against weight loss, such as a lowering of metabolic rate a slowing of gastric motility, and fatigue are aimed at decresing the bodys need for energy and enhancing its ability to absorb energy from food.
Dieting can lead to weight gin do to the reduced need for energy and increased ability to absorb energy from food.

The Problem With Frequent dieting

Frequent dieting attempts may further complicate weight management
Research shows that regained weight is often fat
If the dieter is attempting to weigh a particular number, the increase in fat stores may be at the expence of muscle tissue, which is more metabolically active than fat tissue
As a result the metabolic needs of the frequent dieter decreases over time due to the numerous dieting attempts and weight cycles.

Weight Management- An Alternative To Dieting

Adopting more effective and reasonable approaches to weight management offers the best out look for physical and psychological health
Learning to reduce health risk by engaging in weight management, not dieting , seems the most approiate course of action
According to the american Dietetic Association, "weight management" is defined as the adoption of healthfuland substantial eating and exercise behaviors indicated for reduced disease risk and improved feelings of energy anf well-being"
In simpler terms, weight management is learning to eat and exercise reasonably
Modest changes regaurding eating and exercise habits can result in a small, maintainable weight change
these changes, when maintained over years, significantly reduce the risk of many illnesses considered to be complicated by obesidy (e.g., cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, adlut onset diabetes, gastrointestinal disease, sleep apnea)