The vast majority of people seeking the guidance of a dietitian are no newcomers to the process; rather, they are individuals who have grown weary of repeated attempts at dieting.

Some may have successfully shed weight in the past but struggled to sustain their achievements. Others falter in adhering to their diet plans, frequently blaming themselves with a lingering sense of guilt for lacking discipline.

The recurring outcome is consistent,…

…a diminished enthusiasm for each new attempt at dieting and a pervasive mindset that success is unattainable.

These individuals lose the ability to envision themselves as transformed individuals, burdened by the misconception that the term "diet" equates to "starvation."

Who willingly endures hunger or feels isolated from indulging in foods freely enjoyed by those around them?

They often harbor a sense of self-punishment, feeling that they deserve to suffer for not conforming to societal expectations.

Coupled with detrimental thoughts such as,

"weight loss requires strict dieting,"

"I must starve to lose weight,"

or "indulging in an ice cream will lead to weight gain,"

all these people find themselves caught in a destructive cycle. The chain of negative thoughts contributes to overeating and, paradoxically, weight gain, perpetuating a constant sense of deprivation.

The key factors influencing weight gain encompass:

• our physiological responses,

• emotional needs met through food,

• ingrained eating habits,

• and the detrimental cycle of dieting.

Addressing each aspect separately, making the necessary changes, and sustaining them is essential to achieving a permanent behavioral modification in terms of food and weight management, ultimately resulting in lasting weight loss.