Dieting does not work
This is an interesting study. First off, it does tell you things you already know, if you’ve been on diets before. First, the vast majority of people don’t keep off the weight they lose long term and even gain back more weight sometimes. Second, more exercise correlates with more weight loss.
What I found surprising was the statement that many people were better off not dieting at all, when compared with people who did diet. They often gained less weight, and didn’t have to endure the strain of losing and regaining weight.
I don’t think anyone is suggesting that you go out and have a milkshake and double-cheeseburger to celebrate the death of the diet. However, I think it is a good idea to eat and exercise in moderation. Make healthier choices and do things to take care of yourself, in general.
I was on a weight loss forum run by a popular diet site about a year ago (I won’t say which one), and it was amazing how intense some of the women were. I remember several in the group I was a member of exercising two or three hours every day! While their determination was admirable, I have to wonder how healthy that can be. Even worse, what happens when you stop the intense exercise? I’d think your body would “bounce back” by gaining weight, but who can keep up that exercise schedule for long?
I’ve been guilty of doing some of the same things, only in my case it’s ultra-restrictive diets that make me drop the weight. Later, when I can take it no longer, I begin to eat normally (or overeat, since I feel so deprived), and the weight comes back, and then some. That’s why my goal is to make small changes that I can stick with that will make me healthier in the long run.
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