Why do most diets fail?
Physical Health · Jul 7, 2026
Watch: Why do most diets fail?
In this video, Dr. Ma explains why diets fail, how to support healthy habits over time, and why mental health is a core part of weight management.
Start your weight loss journey today
Notice:This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace individualized medical advice. Treatment decisions should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Medication is prescribed at the sole discretion of the treating clinician based on individual medical eligibility.
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Lisa Ma, MD, CCFP, Dipl. of ABOM, MB-EAT QI
Clinical Lead, Weight Management, TELUS Health
Clinical Lead, Weight Management, TELUS Health
One of the most common questions Dr. Lisa Ma hears from patients is: "Is
sustainable weight loss
actually possible?" Her answer is: yes, but it requires moving past generic "rules" toward a clinical approach. This article explains what to expect from a science-based plan and why a personalized approach is the best way to manage weight for the long term. Why most diets fail
Most diets focus on short-term willpower rather than long-term biology. When hunger hormones are dysregulated, it is extremely difficult for intention alone to override physiology. With calorie restriction, the body often responds with more cravings and more food noise—making the very habits a person is trying to build feel impossible to maintain.
As Dr. Ma explains:
"Science-based weight management isn't about trying harder. It's about understanding the biology of hunger and using the right tools—including medications when appropriate—so that change can actually last."
Supporting long-term progress
Our bodies are wired to hold onto weight—which is why short-term or solo efforts can be so hard to maintain. Obesity is widely recognized as a chronic health condition, meaning managing weight often requires learning how to maintain healthy habits over time.
This is why TELUS Health MyCare™ Weight Management Program is designed to provide ongoing expert medical support to help support long-term progress. This isn't about a quick fix; it's about long-term health.
Many people who benefit from the program have already tried various diet programs, exercise plans, and coaching. This does not mean failure. It often means that biology is playing a bigger role than willpower alone—and that the right clinical support was missing from the equation.
"Sustainable weight loss is possible — but with the right support," says Dr. Ma. "Our bodies are wired to hold onto weight, which is why solo efforts can be so hard to maintain."
Start your weight loss journey today
The whole-person approach
Weight management isn't just about calories and the number on the scale. It's an intersection of life where our environment, coping habits, stress, sleep, and biology all interact.
The program takes a whole-person approach to health, integrating mental wellbeing as part of a multidisciplinary model to support both the mind and the body. This means personalized nutrition guidance, behavioural coaching, clinical oversight, and ongoing follow-up that evolves with a patient's needs.
Your next step
If you're feeling ready to begin, we invite you to start with a consultation. We'll take the time to understand your history and goals, and build a plan that truly fits your body and your life. From there, we can take the next steps together.
With the right support and approach, sustainable weight management is possible. You don't have to figure it out alone.
About Dr. Lisa Ma
Dr. Lisa Ma is a board-certified Obesity Medicine physician specializing in weight management and psychotherapy. She brings a holistic approach integrating evidence-based medical care with behavioural science, including advanced training in ACT, mindfulness-based stress reduction, and mindfulness-based eating awareness.
FAQs
What is the best way to manage weight?
Obesity Canada guidelines* suggest a highly effective approach involves moving away from a generic one-size-fits-all approach toward personalized, medical oversight. This means treating obesity as a chronic health condition rather than a test of willpower. By addressing the intersection of biology (hunger hormones), nutrition, movement, stress, and sleep, the team creates a plan that works with the body’s unique physiology.
Why is it so common to regain weight after a traditional diet?
Most diets fail because they ignore long-term biology. When you restrict calories, your body often triggers "starvation signals"—increasing hunger hormones (food noise) and slowing your metabolism to protect your current weight. A science-based approach is designed to address these biological triggers, reducing the friction often felt when trying to maintain lifestyle changes.
What does a "whole-person" or multidisciplinary approach look like?
Weight management is influenced by nutrition, environment, and mental wellbeing. Our model is led by Nurse Practitioners who provide core medical oversight and prescription management. Because every journey is unique, your care team can coordinate referrals to registered dietitians and mental health professionals to support both the mind and the body.
How does the program support long-term success?
We view weight management as a long-term clinical partnership rather than a "quick fix." The program provides the tools and ongoing NP oversight intended to help you navigate biological plateaus and the transition into a maintenance phase.
- Initial Assessment ($99) Your journey begins with a 20-minute comprehensive consultation with a weight management Nurse Practitioner. During this video appointment, you’ll review your goals and receive a personalized treatment plan, which may include a prescription if appropriate.
- Follow-up Appointments ($60) As you progress, you can book 10-minute follow-up appointments as needed. These sessions allow you to track your progress and adjust your plan with clinical guidance.
- Exclusions: To maintain transparency, medications (paid to your pharmacy) and specialist sessions (dietitians or counsellors) are not included in the fee.
Start your weight loss journey today
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Treatment decisions should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Medication is prescribed at the sole discretion of the treating clinician based on individual medical eligibility. Program eligibility and results may vary. The Weight Management Program is $99 for the first month, including an initial NP video assessment, and $49 per month thereafter, with ongoing NP support, evaluation for prescription renewals, and messaging.
Footnote:
*Clinical recommendations are informed by the Wharton, S., et al. (2020) Obesity in Adults: A Clinical Practice Guideline (CMAJ 2020; 192(31): E875-E891), and the living guidelines maintained by Obesity Canada at:
*Clinical recommendations are informed by the Wharton, S., et al. (2020) Obesity in Adults: A Clinical Practice Guideline (CMAJ 2020; 192(31): E875-E891), and the living guidelines maintained by Obesity Canada at:
https://obesitycanada.ca/healthcare-professionals/adult-clinical-practice-guideline
. 
