Many people say that consuming carbs or sugar will make you gain weight in no time. Such a statement oversimplifies weight management and creates a misconception: “You will be healthy if you give up sweets and bread.” This is a so-called “magic pill” approach.

The reality is, the rise of dieting trends hasn’t resulted in sustainable weight loss. Back in the 1950s, few people were focused on shedding pounds. Fast forward to the 2000s, and dieting had become a common pursuit. Despite this, obesity rates kept climbing. Research suggests that about 80% of those who do lose weight find it difficult to keep it off after a year.

Extreme diets are challenging to stick to and often result in unhealthy behaviors, such as binge eating. In the end, instead of losing weight, people gain even more. While diets can help people lose 5-10% of their body weight in the first six months, up to 67% of dieters regain even more weight within four to five years. This cycle of losing and gaining leads to frustration, anxiety, and a negative relationship with food and body image.

A quick Google search for “the best diet” yields countless suggestions: keto, carnivore, vegan, Mediterranean, and more. While some advocate cutting out particular food groups, others stress a balanced approach to carbs, fats, and proteins. Yet, they do have one thing in common: there isn’t a single diet that works for everyone. So, it’s better to focus on finding what suits you personally to avoid unhealthy relationships with food.

In fact, improving health means adopting sustainable habits, making healthier choices, and managing temptations. Real life is full of unexpected moments, like birthday parties, movie nights, or bad days at work. It’s unrealistic to expect anyone to follow a rigid diet without fail. The key is to develop a plan that allows flexibility and fits into daily life.