A large scale example of diets failing is contestents from 'The Biggest Loser', as studies show that following the period of weight loss, weight was consistenly re-gained prior to the show - as their bodies fought to return them to their previous weight.
So, why does this happen? To keep it very simple, if you consume 2000 calories to lose weight, your body will reduce its metabolism towards 2000 calories to function at its best with what it's being provided. Once your metabolism catches up (or down), to continue losing weight you will have to reduce your calories further, to say, 1700 calories, and in time your metabolsim follows, down towards 1700 calories.
This is a vicious cycle that will result in weight loss, but the final destination you arrive at will not be sustainable. Grehlin, the hunger hormone, will shoot up through the roof, and leptin, the hormone that makes you feel full, will plummet, leaving you always craving for more. All the while your body will be functioning on far fewer calories than you can sustainably consume. This is your body's play to get you back to your previous weight, and it will always win.
So, what can be done about this? There are two angles to come at this from; firstly, by managing grehlin and leptin, and the feelings they provide. Secondly, by taking steps to reduce the fall in metabolism, by ensuring your body is metabolically flexible (able to use stored fat for energy) to increase energy supply. Also, ensuring sufficient periods of time you are not eating (fasting, or not eating between meals), to ensure you give insulin the chance to fall so you can access stored energy.
Now I'm conscious that this is getting a little lengthy, but I discuss this in great detail in my book 'The Fasted Lifestyle', which is linked below.
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