Fad Diets: Why They Fail and How to Make Them Work

By: Scottsdale Weight Loss Center

Published: December 15, 2020

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At least each month another “new” diet hits the scene with all of its fanfare. Yet so rarely does someone lose weight after a couple of weeks, or keep it off for any length of time. Why is this? To be successful, one needs a group of tools all at the same time. I like to think of it as a safe deposit box. You have to have all of the keys in the door to open the box. Leave one out, and the box stays closed.

1. Nutrition

First, you need a good nutritional plan, one that provides enough protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes so that your body is not lacking any of the essentials. If you don’t have all of these, you’ll be hungry and fatigued. Meal replacements provide the most amount of nutrition with the least amount of calories. This approach prevents you from having to count each and every calorie you eat.

2. Accountability

You need a place to weigh in, and someone to support you during the successes and the tough times you face. You may also need medical monitoring, to get off your blood pressure and diabetes medications at the right time. When you’re hungry, you may need an appetite suppressant prescribed by a weight loss doctor.

3. Exercise

Exercise is one of the most important keys to keeping the weight off once you have lost it. It is also going to speed the weight loss and make you feel better as you are losing weight. Exercise can take the form of cardiovascular (aerobic) or strengthen (anaerobic), but preferably both.

4. Lifestyle

Finally, you need to develop a plan to change your life so that you are surrounded by people and an environment that supports success. Your family and friends can be either key supporters or distractors. You’ll have difficulty if your friends are constantly offering you cake when you are trying to lose weight. Success depends on a plan for eating out, dealing with the holidays, travel, and the many stresses that life places on us.

Fad diets fail because they rely on will-power. I’ve never met someone who lost weight because they relied on will-power. These diets lack the accountability, support, and attention to lifestyle change required for weight loss success.

Chasing Diets Book Cover Read our FREE e-book Chasing Diets and learn about the weight loss program that works.

nick weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Nick's Story

"I wish I would have come here first. We spend all our time reacting to the next great weight loss tip or program. It might work for a while, but does not last and we end up yo-yoing from one fad to the next – as we gain more weight." Read More

gina weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Lost 44.5 lbs

"I had no trouble adhering to the meals and they really helped catapult my progress! The classes were so beneficial to me because they helped change my thinking about how I viewed health, nutrition, and fitness.

I will always have my relationship with Scottsdale Weight Loss Center. They truly helped me change my life forever." Read More

lauren weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Lost 60 lbs

"Dr. Ziltzer and everyone who I have come in contact with at the Scottsdale Weight Loss office have been so encouraging and I look forward to seeing them each week. It is now a year and 2 months later since I started. I am down 60 lbs., which is the average amount a 9-year-old weighs, it is crazy to think I lost a whole person! I feel amazing, I hit my goal weight in November 2021 just before Thanksgiving. Nothing on my body hurts anymore..." Read More

chuck h weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Lost 66 lbs

"The best thing I did was call the Scottsdale Weight Loss Center. I have a lot more energy, I'm not hungry, and it feels great.

You can take it from me that this is a program that produces results. The staff is always positive, supportive, and never judgmental.

Your visits always result in positive reinforcement, no matter if you had a good week or a bad week." Read More

emily weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Lost 101 lbs

"Here I am at the lowest I have been since high school weighing in at 155lbs. I have lost 101 lbs, BMI of 39 when I started, to 21.6, and of course at body fat % of 47.1 to 26.5%. I told myself by my 30th birthday I wanted to be confident in the way I look and I owe it all to SWLC. The entire staff is so welcoming and they are rooting for you just as much as you are rooting for yourself...." Read More

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   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great place 30 lbs.and counting thank you
And now it is over 40 lbs. and counting thank you great job
     
   John J 
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   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Best of the best - Dr. Z !!
     
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   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The Biltmore location is top notch! Everyone there is so very friendly, professional and makes the experience so personal and easy. Highly recommend!
     
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   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This practice is everything you would want from a physician office. Professional and knowledgeable staff and caring providers 10 stars!!!!
     
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   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Everything perfect
     
   Andi K 
 46 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I landed at Scottsdale Weight Loss 13 years ago and lost 50 pounds….regained 10 and then lost them again, plus another 20.  It is a great program, and all the professionals are amazing and caring.
     
   Mj W 
 53 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. SWL has been a God send to me! Dr. Guzman & staff especially Lilia & Bianca! They’re so supportive & professional I have lost approx 50 pounds over the year at my own pace.
     
   Donna L 
 55 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The staff at the Phoenix office are great! My experience with Dr deGuzman has been wonderful. Miriam has always been very helpful and makes the office visits pleasant and personal. The medical assistants have always been professional and great to help meet my goals.
     
   Paula S 
 81 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I really felt comfortable with Kristen at my initial appointment.  Everyone at the center was caring and friendly, from Bianca, at the front desk, to Lily, who is the MA.  Kristen listened to my frustrations and prior disappointments about what has not worked, and is confident that she can help me achieve my goals of weight loss.  I am looking forward and excited to see the success I will attain.
     
   Joyce K 
 88 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing staff and great program!  Feeling great!
     
   Brian H 
 92 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I'd lost 20 pounds on my own and struggled to keep it off.  I decided GLP-1 meds were the next step in losing more and keeping it off.  I wanted a medical doctor supervised program and chose SWLC.

I am so very glad I did!  The team in Glendale is so supportive and kind; and when I feel discouraged, they pick me up with positive energy and input.  They really do a great job with encouragement all the time.

6 weeks in I've lost 17 pounds, and am approaching weight loss with a very new perspective.  Also knowing that when I reach my target goal, they'll be there through maintenance and beyond is encouraging as well.  Good to not feel alone on this journey.
     
   Stephanie P 
 105 days ago
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
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