Instead of cutting calories, focus on balanced portions and whole foods to support long-term health and sustainable results.
Many people try dieting to lose weight but ultimately fail to maintain results. Obesity specialist Cai Mingjie told the Health 1+1 program on NTD, a sister outlet of The Epoch Times, that traditional diets are difficult to maintain and that most people regain the weight within one to two years.
He noted that the key to weight loss lies not in eating less but in eating the right way and in the right proportions. This approach not only helps you lose weight successfully but also prevents weight regain later.
Why Is It So Easy to Regain Weight After Dieting?
When people begin their weight loss journey, the first thing that comes to mind is “eating less.” While this approach may show initial results, Cai said the risk of regaining lost weight is extremely high. There are three primary reasons for this pattern:
Decreased Basal Metabolic Rate
When the body senses insufficient caloric intake, it activates a self-protective mechanism, lowering its basal metabolic rate to conserve energy. This metabolic slowdown reduces calorie burning, causing fatigue and a lack of energy. This self-protection also increases cravings for high-calorie foods, making it easy to overeat and regain weight.
Muscle Loss
Dieting not only reduces fat but could also lead to a loss of muscle mass. Because it requires a fair amount of energy to maintain muscles, the body will try to reduce energy consumption by breaking down muscle tissue to make up for the caloric deficit. As muscle loss occurs, metabolism slows further, increasing the risk of weight regain.
Psychological Factors
Humans are not machines. Prolonged, deliberate suppression of the desire to eat can lead to a strong rebound in appetite.
