Do you sometimes feel like your body is working against you? You give up your favorite foods for months on end and torture yourself with strict diet plans until you finally reach your desired weight. But as soon as you treat yourself to a little reward, the pounds you've painstakingly lost are back faster than you can say “yo-yo effect”. A typical phenomenon that many of us know and find frustrating.
But why is it that many diets bring quick results, but over time weight loss no longer works? This is precisely the question we are investigating in this article. And we examine whether and to what extent surgical interventions are a sustainable alternative to diets.
Why diets often fail and losing weight no longer works
Losing weight quickly and visibly through dieting is relatively easy. However, the real challenge is to maintain the target weight in the long term. This is because many diets are based on a drastic reduction in calories, which is anything but sustainable. If you are highly motivated at the beginning and stick strictly to the plan, you can usually expect to lose weight quickly.
Once the goal has been reached, motivation often wanes quickly. This is because many diets are not designed for long-term behavioral change and you quickly fall back into “old patterns”. In addition to falling back into old eating habits, strict diets often lead to food cravings, which are often difficult to control and jeopardize the success of the diet.
The infamous yo-yo effect
However, the fact that losing weight no longer works is not only due to relapses into unhealthy eating habits. To a certain extent, it is also a natural reaction of the body. This is because the body reacts to the reduced calorie intake by slowing down the metabolism in order to conserve energy. This can result in the body burning calories less efficiently after the diet. If there is a sudden calorie surplus after the diet, the body tends to store the excess energy in the form of fat. Especially when the metabolism is still in “economy mode”.
In addition, many diets lead to a loss of muscle mass due to insufficient protein intake. As muscles consume more energy than fatty tissue, the daily energy consumption decreases. This lower basal metabolic rate often means that you put on weight more quickly after the diet.
The role of fat cells
Another obstacle to maintaining the desired weight appears to be the “memory” of fat cells. This is shown by a new study by ETH Zurich, which was published in the journal Nature. Scientists found that being overweight leaves permanent traces - so-called epigenetic marks - in fat cells. These remain even after weight loss. These marks allow the fat cells to “remember” the overweight state and return to it more quickly. They are therefore practically programmed to quickly store fat again when calorie intake is increased.
When dieting no longer works: surgical solutions
One thing is certain: short-term diets are rarely effective in the long term. To lose weight successfully in the long term and keep it off, a permanent change in diet and regular exercise are essential. In some cases, however - particularly in the case of severe obesity - conservative therapies alone are not enough. In such cases, weight loss surgery (bariatric surgery) can be a sensible solution.
The most common procedures are
- gastric bypass
- the insertion of a gastric sleeve (stomach reduction)
- gastric banding, in which parts of the stomach are constricted
- biliopancreatic diversion
These minimally invasive procedures are aimed at long-term weight reduction through changes in the digestive tract. The combination of surgery and lifestyle changes is particularly promising for severely overweight people. With the right aftercare and support, their quality of life can be significantly improved.
It is crucial that the procedure is performed by an experienced specialist. Only with the necessary expertise can it be ensured that the procedure is carried out safely and effectively. In addition, comprehensive aftercare and support is essential to minimize possible postoperative complications and successfully implement necessary lifestyle changes. That is why you will only find experienced and respected specialists in bariatric surgery on our website - for the best possible care!
