Diets for weight loss – which ones work best and offer sustainable results?

How diets for weight loss work

Many popular weight-loss diets focus on reducing calorie intake in different ways. Some do this by cutting down carbohydrates or fat, others by limiting certain food groups or by controlling when, or on which days, you are 'allowed' to eat.

Regardless of the method, the underlying mechanism is the same: creating a calorie deficit, which is what leads to weight loss.

Some diets have a scientific basis, but the evidence is often weak compared with the extensive nutrition research that forms the foundation of today’s dietary guidelines. Different diets also affect the body in different ways, and it’s important to consider your individual health and circumstances when choosing how to eat.

Why many diets are difficult to follow long-term

Low-calorie diets can lead to rapid changes on the scales. But strict rules and restrictions often make them hard to maintain over time. Many people find it challenging to live with extensive bans and rigid structures, which eventually leads to returning to old habits – and regaining weight.

For weight loss to be sustainable, you need an eating pattern that you enjoy and can maintain year after year.

The Yazen Model – a sustainable way to lose weight

No single diet suits everyone. We all have different lives, habits and needs. That’s why it’s important to find a way of eating that works for you – not just for a few weeks, but in the long run.

The Yazen Model is not a strict diet. It’s a way of building sustainable habits that help you lose weight and maintain your new weight over time. Our nutritional advice is based on current dietary recommendations, while still allowing you flexibility to eat in a way that suits your preferences and daily life.

A mindset that many people appreciate is: “You can eat everything – just not all the time.” It might sound like a cliché, but we see it as a helpful strategy when you want to build long-term healthy habits.

Yazen evaluates popular diets

In our article series “Popular diets”, Yazen’s dietitians break down some of the most common diets and weight-loss methods, the scientific evidence behind them, and how they work in combination with medical treatment for obesity.

Read more about the different diets:

• Keto
• Intermittent fasting
• The 5:2 diet
• LCHF (low carb, high fat)
• GI – glycaemic index
• Mediterranean diet and Nordic diet
• The plate model
• NNR – Nordic Nutrition Recommendations
• Paleo

Healthy eating for weight loss

Weight loss is not only about eating less – it’s about making conscious choices about what you eat. A balanced diet that includes carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins and minerals is the foundation for sustainable weight loss.

This means a diet rich in:

• vegetables and fruit
• wholegrains
• lean sources of protein
• healthy fats

It’s helpful to eat less of foods high in calories, sugar and saturated fat, such as red meat, processed products and sugary drinks.

Summary

There are many diets and weight-loss methods that may seem appealing, but the most important thing is to find an approach that works for you and your lifestyle. It’s also essential to ensure that you get enough nutrients – vitamins and minerals – regardless of which method you choose.

Yazen can help you find the right balance and build an eating pattern tailored to your needs and goals. If you’re considering combining a diet with medical treatment, support from doctors and dietitians can be especially valuable, particularly if you are living with overweight or obesity.

At Yazen, you have access to a team of experts who support you throughout your journey. With the right nutrition and the right guidance, combined with medical treatment if needed, you increase your chances of achieving your goals and maintaining your weight in the long term.

Remember: weight loss is a process. With small steps and mindful choices, you can build habits that last – and feel better, both now and in the future.

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