“Anti-diet” and “weight loss” may sound like a contradiction in terms, but it actually frames the dilemma quite nicely. On the one hand, “anti-diet weight loss” hints that diets don't produce weight loss (in the long term). On the other hand, it suggests the only way to lose weight is to stop dieting and seek other solutions.
Let’s revisit why dieting is so ineffective at long-term weight loss:
What do research studies say about the effectiveness of dieting to achieve long term weight loss?
That it’s not a sustainable solution for long-term weight management.
A review of studies on dieting and weight loss found that while dieting may lead to some initial weight loss, most people regain the weight they lost within a few years. In fact, some research suggests that dieting may actually increase the risk of weight gain over the long term.
One study found that people who dieted frequently were more likely to gain weight over time compared to those who didn't diet. Another study found that dieting was associated with a higher risk of weight gain in women, especially those who had a history of dieting.
Additionally, research has shown that dieting can have negative effects on mental health, such as increasing the risk of disordered eating and body dissatisfaction.
Note: For brevity, this blog post used just a few examples of studies that have investigated the effectiveness of dieting for long-term weight loss: