Why diets that work for everyone else may fail for you

WISE NEWS PRESS / ISTANBUL, TURKEY

Many people follow the same diet plans with strict discipline yet experience very different outcomes, prompting experts to stress that weight loss is shaped more by biology than willpower.

While some individuals lose weight quickly on popular diet programs, others see little or no change on the scale despite following the same rules. According to Nutrition and Dietetics Specialist Esra Ozturk, this discrepancy highlights the highly individual nature of the weight-loss process.

Metabolism does not work the same for everyone

Weight loss is not determined solely by calorie intake, says Dietitian Esra Ozturk, pointing to metabolism speed, age, gender and hormonal balance as key factors influencing results. She notes that the body’s metabolic response to food varies widely from person to person.

“The same foods can cause sharp blood sugar spikes in one individual while having minimal impact on another,” Ozturk explained. Such differences directly affect how fast and effectively a person loses weight.

Hidden conditions can undermine dieting efforts

Ozturk emphasized that obstacles to weight loss are not always obvious. Conditions such as insulin resistance, thyroid disorders and food intolerances can significantly alter how the body responds to a diet.

“When these factors are not taken into account, a diet that works for someone else may fail to produce results for you,” she said, adding that personal medical history should always be evaluated before starting a nutrition program.

The body sends warning signals when a diet is unsuitable

Experts caution that the scale is not the only indicator of whether a diet is appropriate. Persistent hunger, headaches, fatigue, sleepiness and digestive problems may signal that the body is struggling to adapt to a specific eating plan.

According to Ozturk, these symptoms should not be ignored, as they indicate difficulties in maintaining the body’s energy balance.

The scale alone does not tell the full story

Focusing exclusively on weight can be misleading, Ozturk said, stressing that a healthy diet should aim to preserve overall body function as well as achieve weight loss.

“The goal is not just to lose weight, but to do so in a healthy and sustainable way,” she noted, warning that rapid weight loss is often temporary and followed by regain.

A call for awareness and personalized nutrition

Dietitian Esra Ozturk from Cakmak Erdem Hospital urged individuals who struggle to lose weight not to blame themselves. “The right diet is a personalized one. It is unrealistic to expect a program that works for someone else to be suitable for everyone,” she said.

She added that nutrition plans prepared under professional supervision offer healthier and more lasting results, underscoring the importance of individualized and informed steps in the weight-loss journey.

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