Dieting for Weight Loss:
How Successful Is It?

Dieting for weight loss is the most unsuccessful health intervention in all of medicine, says Dr. Brian J. Sharkey in his book Fitness and Health.

"Only 10% of people who have lost 25 pounds or more will remain at their desired level. Worse yet is the fact that many weight-loss programs have contributed to obesity. The truth that has emerged from the last decade of research is that diet alone won't help you achieve permanent weight loss. What will? The active life, combined with healthy food choices, and behavior therapy if necessary, is the answer to lifelong weight control. Activity maintains or builds the lean tissue (muscle) that has the capability to burn calories. Diet, by itself, leads to the loss of muscle and a reduction in daily calorie expenditure, resulting in an increased storage of fat."