Diet and the Weight Loss Question

Patient: “Doctor, I would like to lose weight.”

Doctor: “Why do you wish to lose weight?”

Patient: “I would like to look good in the mirror.”

Doctor: “But I want you to lose weight because your blood glucose will improve.”

The reasons for losing weight vary: some want to improve their performance at work, while others simply wish to enhance their appearance. There are also those with severe obesity who experience fat-shaming and wish to lose weight to escape stigma.

What few people realize is this: the primary reason for weight loss should be to improve health. This point is reflected in the conversation above.

Today, obesity is officially recognized as a disease, and for individuals with obesity, weight loss is crucial for health. In people with both obesity and diabetes, appropriate weight loss can lead to diabetes remission, meaning good glucose control without the need for medication. Additionally, in obese individuals, weight loss can help protect against heart disease, kidney failure, arthritis, and hypertension.

For weight management, doctors and patients should share the same goal and understanding: the purpose of weight loss is to combat disease and enhance overall health. However, weight loss alone is not the goal for everyone. Having a strong body with good muscle mass and no disease is far better than being thin, frail, and malnourished with poor health. The ideal approach is to reach a comfortable weight that allows you to live life to the fullest, with enough strength and energy to enjoy daily activities.

How is weight loss achieved? Many people blame themselves for not exercising enough, but physical activity only marginally contributes to weight loss. While medications and weight loss surgery (bariatric surgery) can be effective, the most important tool for weight loss is dietary restriction.

There are several dietary approaches to losing weight, including reducing carbohydrate intake, lowering overall calorie consumption, eating less frequently, following a plant-based diet, and practicing intermittent fasting. However, one size does not fit all—no single diet works for everyone. Diets must be planned carefully, with goals tailored to individual needs in consultation with a qualified nutrition expert.

A key challenge in following restrictive diets is sustainability. Many people struggle to maintain specialized diets in the long term, and the role of experts is to create personalized, practical nutrition plans.

Another challenge is that unstructured dieting without exercise can lead to weight loss, but often at the cost of lean body mass (such as muscle), which is not ideal. Every diet should be accompanied by regular exercise and adequate protein intake to prevent muscle loss.

There are many dietary myths and misconceptions—some of which we address in this issue of Diabetes Health. One of the biggest myths is that a healthy, balanced, and nutritious diet cannot be tasty. We have always aimed to challenge this belief in our recipe section, where we provide healthy yet delicious recipes.

Wishing you a healthy and happy holiday season ahead! Even as you enjoy the Indian summer or/and your vacation, do not forget to eat a balanced diet and hydrate yourself with enough water.

Dr Unnikrishnan AG

Editor