Why Diets DON'T Work & What to Do About It

Every time you turn around, it seems like there's a new diet on the market telling you they have all the answers for weight loss and long lasting health. The problem with this is that more often than not, the advice from one diet completely contradicts another. This can leave you confused, misinformed and searching for answers in all the wrong places.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 69.2 percent of Americans over the age of 20 are overweight or obese. There are also studies that show that 80 percent those who go on diets and lose weight will gain it all back and more within a year.

Dieting can be misleading. A diet that works for your friend may not have the same results for you. This is not only frustrating, but it can make you wonder if you'll ever find a diet that actually works.

In fact, a study that was published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that after going on a strict diet, the hunger-related hormones within your body that were disrupted actually remained altered for over a year.

Have you ever considered not dieting?

Yes, you read that right. This may sound crazy and leave you even more puzzled than you already were. However, it may be the missing link to why you haven't lost stubborn pounds or why you just don't feel right about what you're putting into your body. Changing the types of foods you consume from highly processed, high-sugar and high-fat to more wholesome foods can not only promote weight loss, but you'll also feel a lot better overall.

Another way to help you in your weight loss efforts is to make small changes within your everyday habits. Instead of taking the escalator, use the stairs. Instead of just sitting while talking on the phone, do standing lunges or squats. You can also park your car farther away when you're running errands.

Why else are diets not working?

Sarah Corey, AADP, discusses how you can ditch the diet and implement strategies to help with lasting lifestyle changes.