Published Feb 03, 2026 | 7:00 AM ⚊ Updated Feb 03, 2026 | 11:22 AM
Eating less and exercising alone will not help in shedding weight.
Synopsis: Many people are surprised when weight loss plateaus despite strict dieting. This happens because the body learns to function on fewer calories, conserving energy instead of burning fat.
For many people, weight loss feels deceptively simple in theory: eat less, exercise more, and the kilos should drop.
In reality, progress is often slow, inconsistent, or short-lived.
Dr R Sundararaman, Senior Consultant – Internal Medicine, SIMS Hospital, Chennai, said many patients seek help after trying multiple diets and fitness routines, only to regain the weight they lost.
The problem is not always effort, but long-standing myths that continue to shape how people approach weight loss,” he told South First. These setbacks, he explained, are usually rooted in misinformation rather than lack of discipline.
One of the most common beliefs is that cutting calories guarantees weight loss. While low-calorie diets may work initially, the effect rarely lasts.
“Once you start eating less and less, the body adapts and resets its metabolism,” Dr Sundararaman explained.
Over time, this metabolic adjustment slows further weight loss and increases the chances of regaining weight once normal eating resumes.
He added that many people are surprised when weight loss plateaus despite strict dieting. This happens because the body learns to function on fewer calories, conserving energy instead of burning fat.
Another widespread misconception is that sweating more means losing fat. In reality, early weight loss is often just water loss.
Dr Sundararaman R.
Since the human body is made up of nearly 60 percent water, sweating or crash dieting can cause temporary drops on the scale, but these changes do not reflect real fat loss.
Quick-fix diets and detox plans also remain popular because they promise fast results. However, Dr Sundararaman pointed out that such approaches are difficult to sustain.
Very low-calorie diets, often around 1,200 calories, may show dramatic short-term results, but most people regain the weight once they stop. He stresses that moderation, balanced nutrition, and consistency are far more effective than extreme restrictions.
Carbohydrates are another misunderstood area. While excessive carbohydrate intake can contribute to fat storage and metabolic issues, eliminating carbs is not the solution.
Diets that drastically increase protein intake, such as keto-style plans, may initially reduce weight but can lead to other health concerns when followed long-term.
Dr Sundararaman said certain myths continue to mislead people:
“For the time being, you will probably feel as if you have lost some weight,” he said, adding that these effects are short-lived.
He explained that such methods mostly cause water loss or muscle tightening, giving the illusion of progress. Sustainable weight reduction, he emphasised, depends on a basic principle — the body must expend more energy than it consumes — something no passive device can replace.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
