Diet’s Don’t Work? Or Do They?

What we really like are measurable rewards. It is very encouraging to be able to tighten the belt another notch, to watch the pounds decrease, and to receive positive comments from our acquaintances and co-workers. We want to know that our sacrifice was worth it.

Unless the results of our efforts are fairly sudden and dramatic, we may fail to notice the improvement in our well-being. We don’t feel different when our blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol are now normal. We may forget that we can actually breathe easier now that we are 20 pounds lighter. Over time, our motivation may wane. For many, it becomes harder and harder to maintain the healthier lifestyle.

So the problem is not really the diet. The problem is with us, with our thought patterns. Generally, weight loss programs, if founded on sound principles, do work. They provide an eating strategy, a structure. Gradual weight loss, about 1 – 2 pounds per week, is achievable. By following the program, even morbidly obese individuals should be able to reach their goal weight.

But finding the inner motivation to stay with a program until reaching the weight loss goal, and then maintaining that weight loss over several years or longer, seems to be difficult for many.

The weight loss experience over time was evaluated by researchers at the University of Minnesota. Women participating in a 6 month behavioral weight loss program recorded their thoughts and feelings weekly. The researchers found that although the overall weight loss experience was positive, the women had trouble maintaining their enthusiasm as the months passed. Over time, many of the women felt that the benefits they received for their weight loss efforts were not worth it. (Ann Behav Med 2004; 27(2): 100-6.)

So do diets work? Yes, they do, and there is much research to support this. They work to help you lose the weight. Keeping it off is another story. The key, I believe, to maintaining the weight loss is maintaining the desire for a healthy body. You see, weight loss is a short term goal. Health is a long term goal. We want to stay healthy forever, right? We don’t think, “I just want to stay healthy until my next class reunion, and then I can fall apart.” We say, “I want to be strong and vigorous into old age. I want to live to see my grandchildren, even great grandchildren. I want to be healthy enough to enjoy my retirement years and not live in a nursing home.” (At least, those are my thoughts, and what keeps me motivated.)

If we don’t maintain our weight loss, then it means that we haven’t maintained our motivation for a healthy body – at least not enough to exercise regularly, embrace whole foods, and shun bad foods. As with all rewards in life – a gratifying marriage, healthy, loving children, a good income or retirement fund, fulfilling relationships, a flourishing career, a relaxing, beautiful home – maintaining a healthy body takes continual effort.

I hope you continue to read my blog, since I will continue to focus on our efforts to get and maintain a healthy body, one that not only looks good but supports us to lead active lifestyles, to feel good, and to keep on truckin’ in old age. Hopefully you can learn something and stay motivated to keep at it!

Until next time.