### How to Break Free from Fad Diets and Achieve Sustainable Weight Loss Every week seems to bring a new diet craze, from low-fat to low-carb to food combining. While some diets remain popular, many fade away just like the latest dance fad. Despite this, dietitians consistently advise that the key to weight loss is eating less and exercising more. So why do we keep falling for fad diets? Robyn A. Osborn, RD, PhD, a dietician and educational psychologist, explains that people are often put off by the idea of lifelong change. Fad diets promise quick results, but nutrition experts insist that the right approach to weight loss is to make permanent lifestyle changes. The psychological cost of giving up a fattening lifestyle seems too high for many, leading them to opt for quick fixes. Fad diets often appeal to vanity rather than health. People are more motivated by wanting to change their appearance than by reducing the risk of diabetes or heart disease. This focus on looks rather than health is a challenge for nutrition professionals who emphasize long-term health benefits. Fad diets also offer seemingly easy solutions, which can be appealing when official advice feels clinical and cold. However, most fad diets recycle old ideas and make bogus claims of permanent solutions. The confusion about nutrition fuels the existence of fad diets, as people feel out of control and unsure of what to do. Promises of rapid weight loss are common in fad diets, but dietitians recommend aiming to lose no more than 2 pounds a week. Rapid weight loss often results in losing water weight rather than fat, and severely restricting calories can slow metabolism and lead to muscle loss. If you're tempted by a fad diet, consider using it only as a short-term jump-start to weight loss. However, repeated fad dieting can make it harder to develop a healthy eating program. In the long term, staying slim is more important than quick weight loss. Success in losing weight the old-fashioned way can help you break free from fad dieting. Here are some tips to develop healthy habits: - Eat a balanced diet with a variety of foods - Exercise regularly - Avoid extreme calorie restrictions - Focus on long-term health benefits rather than quick fixes - Seek support from healthcare professionals By following these tips, you can achieve sustainable weight loss and improve your overall health.