Now, it might seem strange to you that a person who lost 40 kilograms in weight and reclaimed his health is telling you that Weight Loss Programs Don’t Work. Historically, I have lost 30 kilograms on three different weight loss programs and one occasion, I won first prize of $30,000 and was paid $3000 every three months if I maintained the weight. So, I think I can call myself a weight loss expert.
While listening to Mel Robbins latest book, “The Let Them Theory”, she confirmed several points I have written about in my book and quoted before on one of my Instagram posts.
When the pain of not doing something exceeds the pain of doing something, people are motivated to change. Importantly, family members and loved ones should apply the Let Them Theory until a decision to lose weight and strong motivational reasons are established.
It’s essential to be aware that weight loss programs often fail to deliver long-term results. Studies show that up to 95% of individuals regain lost weight within a few years. This high failure rate can be attributed to several factors that make these programs unsustainable and ineffective for many people.
Firstly, many weight loss programs promote restrictive diets and quick-fix solutions that are difficult to maintain over time. These approaches not only lead to nutritional deficiencies and yo-yo dieting but also create an unhealthy relationship with food, potentially leading to disordered eating patterns and psychological stress.
Secondly, commercial weight loss programs frequently fail to produce clinically meaningful weight loss, with a meta-analysis showing that 57% of participants lost less than 5% of their initial body weight. This lack of significant results, combined with high attrition rates, suggests that many consumers find the dietary changes required by these programs unsustainable. The one-size-fits-all approach of many programs fails to account for individual differences in metabolism, genetics, and lifestyle factors.
Thirdly, weight loss programs often overlook the crucial role of addressing underlying psychological and behavioural factors that contribute to weight gain. Many individuals struggle with emotional eating, stress, or other mental health issues that impact their ability to maintain a healthy weight. Without addressing these root causes, weight loss efforts are likely to be short-lived.
Fourthly, unrealistic expectations and the pressure to achieve rapid results can lead to disappointment and abandonment of weight loss efforts. Many people have unrealistic goals based on media portrayals of weight loss, leading to frustration when they don’t see immediate or dramatic changes. This frustration can result in giving up on healthy habits altogether, creating stress that significantly impacts decision-making by activating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Elevated cortisol levels can impair PFC function, leading to more emotionally driven decisions. Under stress, the amygdala becomes more active, potentially biasing decisions towards reactive, less deliberative choices.
Lastly, weight loss programs often fail to provide adequate long-term support and education on sustainable lifestyle changes. Instead of focusing on quick results, successful weight management requires a holistic approach that includes balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, stress management, and behavioural modifications. By understanding and implementing these crucial elements, we can take control of our health and avoid the pitfalls of unsustainable weight loss programs.
Why do commercial weight loss programs have high rates of attrition?
Commercial weight loss programs often experience high attrition rates due to several key factors.
Unsustainable dietary changes: Many dieters find the restrictive nutritional requirements of these programs difficult to maintain over time, leading to frustration and eventual abandonment of the program.
Unrealistic expectations: Participants often have unrealistic weight loss goals that don’t align with the outcomes. Studies show that 57% of people in commercial weight loss programs lose less than 5% of their initial body weight, far below what many expect.
Practical difficulties: Nearly half (45%) of dropouts cite practical issues as their primary reason for quitting. These include family problems, work conflicts, distance to treatment centres, and health issues unrelated to obesity.
Unsatisfactory results: Slow weight loss or failure to see significant results quickly can lead to discouragement and dropout. About 14% of participants report unsatisfactory results as their reason for quitting.
Psychological factors: Lack of motivation, high-stress levels, and a sense of abandonment from therapists can contribute to attrition. These psychological obstacles are often not adequately addressed in standardised weight loss programs.
Time constraints: The demanding nature of these programs, including repeated visits to medical centres and strict dietary regimens, can interfere with work and social life, leading to dropout.
Financial considerations: Some participants may find the ongoing costs of commercial programs unsustainable, especially if they do not see the desired results.
One-size-fits-all approach: Many commercial programs fail to account for individual differences in metabolism, genetics, and lifestyle factors, making them ineffective for some participants.
These high attrition rates significantly diminish the effectiveness of commercial weight loss programs and suggest that caution should be exercised when interpreting data based on the weight loss of those who remain in these programs.
In my next Post, I will cover ” Weight Loss Programs That Work“
