7 Reasons Why Diets Don't Work

Dieting is based on a false premise. This is that body weight is a result of the calories you eat and the calories you expend. If you consume more than you use you become fatter. If you consume less than you use, then you utilise your excess fat to make up the shortfall.

This is a mistaken idea.

You may know some really skinny people who eat like horses and don't seem any more active than you are. You may know overweight people who say they don't eat very much (we tend not to believe those people).

Here are the 7 reasons diets don't work.

1. They are too much effort.
2. They cause 'famine' mode.
3. They affect emotions - and not in a good way.
4. Thoughts of food predominate.
5. Diets lose weight not fat.
6. Exercise is not included.
7. Unreasonable expectations.

1. Too much effort

21% of people give up on their diet within two months. 45% of people don't last the year. All that calorie, or syn or point, counting just gets to be too much work and it's so much easier just to eat what you like.

2.'Famine' mode.
Your body is smart. It's intelligence is primarily geared toward survival. When food is scarce it thinks 'famine' and lays down supplies of fat; slows down metabolism to conserve energy; and burns lean muscle for its energy needs, because, when resting, lean muscle tissues burn calories. To the body's intelligence, a diet looks just like a famine.

3. Emotions.
The majority of so-called experts regard excess weight as a calorie problem. It isn't. But it is an emotional problem. Eating often as an attempt to improve mood. Dieting itself can cause social isolation - hence the popularity of slimming clubs. This can lead to low moods, rebellion against the diet, or even depression.

4. Diets keep you thinking about food.
Meals have to be meticulously planned. Recipes have to be followed. Specific items need to be purchased - sometimes even specific product brands. Life is no longer about fun and enjoyment. Life is about food.

5. Diets lose weight, not fat.
Diets cause muscle loss. This makes it more and more difficult to lose weight each time you diet because bodies are reluctant to release fat - especially quickly, which is the way most people want it. The only way to release fat instead of muscle is to do it slowly.

6. Exercise.
You need some exercise. Exercise builds muscle. Muscle burns calories - even while resting. Exercise boosts metabolism. Exercise increases fitness, vitality and lifts mood.

7. Unreasonable Expectations.
Dieters programme in failure by setting a target weight that is unachievable. People have surprising expectations of the amount of weight that can sensibly be reduced. If you are 16 stone (224lbs) an initial weight loss goal of 14 stone (196lbs) would be good to aim for. A 2 stone (28lb) success is easily achievable and when maintained for a while will be the place to decide to shift a little more.

Diets don't work.
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