Five Hidden Diet Pitfalls That Only Make You Gain Weight

Countless people try diets—keto, paleo, intermittent fasting—with hopes of quick results. Yet research finds that 80–95% regain the lost weight within a few years. It’s not failure of willpower—it’s built into how diets conflict with human biology, behavior, and mindset. 1. Biology Fights Back When you cut calories or restrict food groups, your metabolism slows and hunger hormones spike. Known as the “famine response,” your body is wired to defend its weight, making long-term results nearly impossible. 2. The “What-the-Hell” & Ironic Rebound Slip-ups trigger overeating. Research shows that when dieters eat a “forbidden” food, they often think, “I’ve blown it—so why not binge?” This cognitive trap amplifies cravings and derails control.