A Harvard doc warns about the New Year’s weight loss mistake most people make |
New Year, new you – this is perhaps the motto for many people as they stepped into 2026. Many have kicked off their weight loss journey. As it’s only two days into the New Year, the determination and motivation are at their peak. But most of them may lose the zest as days go by. The weighing scale gets stuck, and the weight loss journey comes to an abrupt end. Why? Because they could be making a common mistake. Dr Saurabh Sethi, a Harvard and Stanford-trained gastroenterologist, has now revealed the biggest culprit behind it.
A common weight loss mistake most people make
While getting to a healthy weight is important, especially at a time when obesity is a public health concern, doing it right is important. “Every January, my clinic fills up with people who started aggressive diets on January 1st. By mid-January, they’re back to their old habits, feeling defeated and frustrated,” Dr Sethi said in his latest newsletter.
Why do weight loss attempts fail?
Most people who enter the New Year with weight loss plans get aggressive. “They jump straight into the hardest version of intermittent fasting, the 16/8 protocol, without letting their body adapt,” the doctor revealed. The doctor recalled the time when a patient went on an aggressive diet, and in a matter of days quit it. “I had someone come to my office last February who tried this. She went from eating whenever she wanted to suddenly fasting for 16 hours. She lasted 4 days before giving up completely,” the gastroenterologist said.
What works?
Now that you know taking it slow is crucial, let’s understand what works. Dr Sethi has suggested the following steps to maintain a sustainable weight loss journey.
- Start with the 12/12 method (12 hours eating, 12 hours fasting)
- This is basically just avoiding late-night snacking
- Do this for 4 weeks before moving to anything harder
- Let your body adapt gradually
“When you start with 12/12, you’re working with your body’s natural rhythm, not against it. Most of that fasting window happens while you’re sleeping anyway. After your body adapts, you can move to 14/10, then eventually 16/8 if you want faster results,” the doctor explained.
Consistency matters
One thing most people on a weight loss diet overlook is consistency. Your diet, exercise, and sleep should be consistent. Rather than jumping on outlandish diets and extreme fitness regimes, stick to something that you can follow. “Consistency beats intensity every single time. Doing 12/12 every day for 90 days will get you better results than doing 16/8 for one week and quitting,” the doctor said. So, if you are on a weight loss journey, take it slow. “This New Year, start small. Start sustainable. Start with something you can actually stick to. Consistency beats intensity every time. Tracking your food quality is essential for staying consistent,” the doctor said. There is nothing wrong with new health goals, but remember to listen to your body and work accordingly. Your body needs consistency and regimes that are sustainable.Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment, or before changing your diet or supplement regimen.
