Want to lose weight in 2022? Most popular diets don’t work says Utah fat loss scientist – KSL.com
Estimated read time: 7-8 minutes
Losing weight is again one of the top resolutions for the New Year. And with all the work-from-home over the past year and comfort-eating over the holidays, it’s an ideal time to refocus on achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. But brace yourself: Much of what you think you know about dieting may be turned upside down.
You’re likely familiar with some of the most popular diets out there. Some focus on foods from specific regions of the world, some diets eliminate animal products, some have clever names or are supported by apps, while others simply focus on portion control. Perhaps you’ve even had some luck with one or two of them in the past.
It’s true, you might see some initial benefits, but an international study published in The BMJ found that these effects typically don’t last very long. (Cue the frustration and tears by the tens of millions of Americans struggling to figure out why nothing is working.)
With all the confusing, contradicting and constantly shifting information swirling around out there, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all of the latest diet trends. That’s why one of the leading metabolic scientists in the world (who just happens to live and work in Utah) is cutting through the noise to provide clear, research-based data to help people reach their optimal health.
Here’s what local professor, researcher and best-selling author, Benjamin Bikman, Ph.D., says about why today’s most popular diets don’t work.
Unsustainable programs ruin our health and waistlines
“The majority of diet programs focus on calorie restriction,” said Bikman. “When you’re starving yourself to lose weight, you WILL lose weight, but it’s almost never sustainable. There’s a good reason why this happens, and it’s because hunger always wins.”
Bikman shares that most of these starvation diets focus on an improper blend of macronutrients in improper amounts. Often these diets have some carbohydrates, some protein and are typically low in healthy fats and very low in calories. While you can starve yourself for some period of time or to reach some kind of short-term goal, once that motivation goes away, people tend to rebound and often gain even MORE weight because they’re getting less healthy and are simply fatigued of the severe caloric restriction (which isn’t natural or or good for you).
“Stop thinking about quick fixes and focus instead on the concept of sustainability with your weight,” said Bikman. “We do this by reminding the body how to shift its primary fuel use, by reminding the body how to burn fat rather than just constantly burning glucose (from carbs).”
<…….