Fat Chance

Apparently dieting doesn’t work at all. Categorically, the practice has been slammed by overwhelming evidence from the most thorough and comprehensive study on the subject ever.

Here are some snippets from an article on the findings:

Last night, the US scientists behind the latest research – the most thorough and comprehensive analysis of its kind – said dieting simply did not work. Pooling the results of the various studies clearly showed that, while people do lose weight initially, most quickly put all the weight back on.

In fact, most people end up weighing more than they did to begin with. Dr Mann’s research showed that up to two-thirds of dieters put on all the weight they lost – and more – over a four to five-year period.

Bleak as these figures seem, the true picture could be even worse, as it is thought that most people lie about their weight and don’t like to tell researchers that their weight has started to creep up again.

Dr Thomas said people who struggled with their weight often became discouraged when, after embarking on fad diets, they found the results were not long-term.

“The really awful thing about dieting is that it’s become a cultural or fashionable thing and most people have spent lots of years and thousands of dollars on it, when there’s no evidence to suggest that there’s no long-term weight loss benefits,” she said.

That’s pretty damning! I bet South Beach and Adkins are up in arms about all that, but really I think this study goes to prove what common sense has been arguing from day one: denying yourself certain foods is not sustainable psychologically and is an incomplete approach. A lifestyle change that incorporates healthy foods with regular physical exercise is probably the best bet here.

Aside from that I don’t really have much to add to the subject; I’ve never been on a diet and never have considered one. I am blessed to be fairly svelte. I was raised eating healthy food (whole grains and lots of fruits and vegetables, and not much sugary things) and have married a girl with the same background. I think our eating habits help, but I imagine genetics play into the equation as well. I will say that exercise makes a huge difference in how I feel. A daily jog and some push ups works wonders on my energy level and muscle definition.

The biggest thing that helps me consistently exercise is having a long range goal in mind. I started running steps around Christmas in order to strengthen my legs for a ski trip in February, and now I’ve added jogging and additional upper body exercises to prepare for a Colorado backpacking trip in July. Knowing that I have to be in shape provides me a lot of incentive to exercise regularly and to continue to push myself further. Maybe if hobbies that require better cardio become more popular the fat of the land will decrease.

What helps you stay in shape?