Can you really be Diet Resistant?

Can You Really be Diet Resistant?

In this article, we will explore the concept of being "diet-resistant" and whether or not it’s a real phenomenon.

What is Diet Resistance?

Diet resistance refers to a group of individuals who reportedly eat fewer than 1200 calories per day, but continue to struggle with weight loss. In this study, the lab specifically studied people who had bodies that were resistant to losing weight despite a low-calorie diet.

The Study

The researchers aimed to explore the phenomenon of diet resistance, exploring three possibilities:

1. Are their bodies kicking into starvation mode?
2. Do their bodies process calories differently?
3. Is something else going on?

The study involved bringing the "diet-resistant" individuals into a metabolic ward, where an energy tracking system was used, involving "doubly-labeled water." This system allowed the researchers to track every aspect of energy expenditure and consumption with precision.

What did the Study Reveal?

Contrary to expectations, the study found that total energy expenditure and resting metabolic rate in the "diet-resistant" group were within 5 percent of the predicted values for body composition, with no significant difference between the groups. However, what the study DID reveal was that these individuals drastically underestimated their energy intake by an average of 47%.

In other words, they thought they were consuming fewer calories than they actually were. Additionally, these individuals also overestimated the energy burned through exercise by 51%.

Humans are not perfect

As a species, we are not naturally attuned to survive in an environment with an abundance of food. We have difficulty tracking calories, and our brains can easily create narratives to justify our perceived lack of weight loss.

Our Brains are prone to errors

Humans are adept at creating stories to justify their behavior. This study highlights our tendency to be in denial about our eating habits, a phenomenon also observed in aging-related weight gain. It’s as if our brains have a harder time accepting the cold, hard reality than crafting an elaborate narrative to fit our perceived understanding.

Conclusion

Self-compassionate acceptance is essential here. Acknowledge that it’s okay to not be perfect. Most of us suck at tracking calories, and we may not know exactly how much we’re eating. That’s the reality, not a failing of humanity.

Adjusting our behavior by learning actual serving sizes, opting for nutrient-dense foods, cutting back on liquid calories, and creating safeguards against ourselves can be an excellent starting point. And when things don’t work out, instead of beating ourselves up, we can re-assess our approach, learn, and adapt.

FAQs

1. Are there any circumstances where someone would truly be diet-resistant?

In very rare cases, medical conditions like Cushing’s syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and certain medication side effects could impact calorie processing or metabolic rates. However, even in these cases, careful attention to diet and lifestyle factors remains crucial.

1. Can we assume that "diet resistance" is a myth and that the scale would always drop if we follow the "calories in/calories out" rule?

Yes. While thermodynamics remains at play, most people underestimate their energy intake. Correcting this mismatch with accurate tracking, nutrient-dense diets, and stress management can increase chances of success.

1. Can someone be truly "healthy" even if they’re not losing weight or struggling to maintain their desired weight?

Of course. While some may struggle to shed pounds, focusing on overall well-being, such as heart health, cholesterol levels, blood sugar regulation, and quality of life indicators like energy, mental clarity, and general health is essential.