Kickstart Your Weight Loss: Losing Weight Isn’t As Easy As It Appears

By Dr. Leeann Prochaska, N.D.

If you’re struggling to lose weight, you are not alone. A recent study found that nearly 43% of Americans are considered obese.

This problem is made worse by the apparent ineffectiveness of dieting. According to UCLA researchers, dieting does not work. While dieters initially lose 5-10% of their body fat, UCLA associate professor, Traci Mann, reports that the majority of people “regain the weight plus more.” After analyzing 31 long term studies, Mann concluded that most individuals are better off not starting a diet at all.

Hearing these reports can certainly feel disheartening. But there are a number of those who have lost weight and kept it off from dieting. What separates these few from the masses? While the studies analyzed by UCLA researchers did not go into detail on reasons behind a successful dieting journey, dieting has historically been aimed at caloric deficits. This method focuses heavily on food restriction as the primary means of weight loss.

Today, though, there’s been a growing interest in insulin resistance, which clinicians have found to be a major driver of weight gain. Dietary choices geared to addressing insulin resistance have received much praise over recent years. Among them include: the ketogenic diet, intermittent fasting, and most recently, the fasting-mimicking diet.

However, diet is not the only factor to consider when addressing insulin-resistance. Recent research has found that high levels of stress, poor sleep, and low physical activity are correlated with higher levels of insulin resistance. Through this metabolic pathway, these important lifestyle factors can impact body composition.

Because of this, more comprehensive treatments for weight loss often look at stressors and lifestyle changes, in addition to motivations of food choices, recognizing that food is a psycho-social and emotional decision, not simply a caloric one. 

So, how can you lose weight without calorie counting? Seeking medical help and receiving customized treatment and counseling may be beneficial for long-term weight loss success.  Additionally, working with a support group can improve motivation. Revibe Men’s Health is here for you to kickstart your journey to better health!