Dr. Tom Lavin

  • About Dr. Lavin
  • Financing & Insurance
  • Locations
  • Travel
  • eStore BeNutrition
  • Procedures
    • Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy
    • Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass
    • Minimally Invasive Revisional Surgery
    • Obalon Balloon System
    • Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • 877-691-3001
CONTACT US

Why Diets Don’t Work

Why Diets Don’t Work

by Dr. Tom Lavin / Friday, 26 April 2019 / Published in Exercise, Nutrition

Almost everyone has fallen victim to the unkept promises of a new fad diet (Keto, Atkins, Paleo, etc.). Unfortunately for those struggling with obesity, diets are a short-term solution to a life-long problem. Patients may lose 20, 30, or even 50 pounds while dieting; however, the weight will steadily creep back over time. So, why don’t diets work?

            Unlike bariatric surgery, diets have no impact on hunger, cravings, or capacity. Hunger and craving hormones are the most powerful hormones, making it nearly impossible to overcome obesity without surgical intervention. It is extremely rare for someone to lose more than 100 pounds and keep it off long-term without bariatric surgery. Why? The Set-Point Theory.

            As we gain weight, our body adjusts its set point and our body comes to accept its growing state as normal. Moreover, our body begins to defend its new set-point, making it more and more difficult to lose weight. For example, when someone gains 250 pounds, the brain’s new set point is 250 pounds heavier than it was previously. If that person attempts to diet, their hunger and craving hormones will sky rocket causing them to constantly think of food. The patient may lose 10 or 20 pounds but will eventually plateau. The plateau is caused by the body’s defense of its new, heavier set-point. Unlike dieting, bariatric surgery lowers the set-point by altering hunger, craving, and capacity. Most patients report feeling full faster and not craving the same unhealthy foods as before their surgery.

  • Tweet
Tagged under: bariatric surgery, exercise, weightloss

What you can read next

Eating after Bariatric Surgery
Why Diets Don’t Work
More Evidence That Bariatric Surgery Lowers Heart Attack, Stroke Risk in People With Type 2 Diabetes

Categories

  • Exercise
  • FAQs
  • In the News
  • Nutrition
  • Our Team
  • Patient Resources
  • Patient Stories
  • Procedures
  • Tom Talks

Recent Posts

  • How Bariatric Surgery Changed My Life

    When I was first diagnosed with diabetes, I was...
  • Bariatric Surgery Alleviates Diabetes & Heart Disease

    In addition to helping patients lose weight, ba...
  • Dr. Lavin’s Weight Loss Seminar

    What you need to know about weight loss surgery...
  • Kera – Spotlight!

    My name is Kera Melancon. I am 34 years old wit...
  • Patient Advocates are also Patients

    Patient Advocates are also patients that have b...
eStore BeNutrition

Start your weight loss journey today!

CONTACT US TODAY!

877-691-3001

Covington Office

7015 Highway 190 East Service Rd. Suite 200
Covington, LA 70433

Metairie Office

3100 Galleria Drive Suite 300
Metairie, LA 70001

Start your weight loss journey today!

Schedule a Consultation

877-691-3001

Covington Office

7015 Highway 190 East Service Rd. Suite 200
Covington, LA 70433

Metairie Office

3100 Galleria Drive Suite 300
Metairie, LA 70001

Slidell Office

1570 West Lindberg Dr., Suite 8
Slidell, LA 70458

ABOUT US

  • About Dr. Lavin
  • Blog
  • Locations

LEARNING CENTER

  • About Obesity

Weight loss

  • Minimally Invasive Weight Loss
  • Incisionless Weight Loss Procedures

© 2019 Surgical Specialists of Louisiana, All Rights Reserved.

Marketing by Enlightened Media| Privacy Policy

TOP