Dieting is often our default method for weight-loss. If you want to lose weight, you simply change the way you eat and the pounds will come off – right? That’s why there are so many diets out there – because it works…right? But does it really?
How many people lose weight through dieting and keep the weight off for years to come? The answer, surprisingly, is not many.
If you’re dieting, life can sometimes get in the way. You might even find yourself stalling. You’re not losing any more weight, or you might even be gaining back the weight you lost. It’s right about now that you might consider a new approach. What if the problem with dieting is…well…dieting?
It’s not about how much weight you can lose, but how much weight you can keep off. What makes this so hard?
- The ‘Eat Less, Move More’ Attitude. We’ve all been told we can drop the weight if we eat less food and get more active. For most, however, this isn’t a very effective strategy for long-term weight-loss. This mentality often results in strain that we place upon our bodies as we physically push ourselves harder and harder with very little energy from food.
- Our Body Has a Set Point. As we age through childhood, adolescence and adulthood, our set point is designed to move upwards while we grow. Our bodies are trained to gain weight, but losing it poses a very hard challenge.
- Not Enough Sleep. When we don’t sleep enough, we put stress on our bodies in numerous ways. Sleep is necessary for energy restoration and brain/body function. We need a healthy, working body if we want to keep weight off.
- Not Enough Time. If we spend too much time on preparing healthy meals, exercising at the right amount and mapping out our diet plans, we might miss out on the sleep we need! While losing weight does take time and energy, we have to balance out our lives.
- We Move Too Fast. Oftentimes we push ourselves so hard that our bodies don’t get a chance to catch up. If we slow down, we naturally end up eating less, eating healthier, and saving the energy we need for exercise.
- We Lack Effective Treatments. Losing weight means fighting our biology, and it’s okay to admit that it’s hard! Common attitudes about weight and obesity make it hard to get the treatment we may need.
Learn More about How to Manage Your Weight
Listen to Dr. Arya Sharma from the 2014 Your Weight Matters National Convention as he talks about problems with “dieting” in greater detail. You can watch the full presentation here:
Interested in the 2016 Your Weight Matters National Convention?
You’re invited! The 2016 Your Weight Matters National Convention takes place on August 25-28, 2016 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in Washington, DC. This one-of-a-kind event is designed with YOU in mind and with more than 50 topics on the educational agenda, you’ll learn new strategies for managing your weight! You’ll also have the opportunity to:
- Hear from an expert lineup of speakers presenting the latest research and evidence-based education about weight and health
- Connect with like-minded people who have similar journeys
- Get reliable support and resources for your personal weight goals
- Join a welcoming community where you are understood and encouraged
If you’re seeking the best information out there about weight and health, join the Nation’s leading event – the Your Weight Matters National Convention!
To make your plans and register now, click here! 
