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Researchers led by dietitian Dimitros Koutoukidis have noted that weight loss is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions. However, according to widespread confessions from individuals, they often forget their promises and abandon their health plans. Therefore, the researchers question whether attempts to shed pounds at the beginning of the year are more successful than at other times.
The Best and Worst Times for Weight Loss
To explore this issue, scientists observed more than 85,000 people in England, primarily aged 65 and older. All participants were at risk for diabetes and were part of a disease prevention program. The observations took place from January 2017 to December 2018.
Participants attended in-person or online sessions where they were encouraged to adopt healthier diets, engage in physical activity, and lose weight. According to the published results, these individuals lost an average of 2 kg over six months.
However, those who started their diets in January lost 12-30% more weight than those who began their healthy lifestyle at any other time of the year. Overall, the study found that August and July had the poorest weight loss results, followed by September and December, which also showed low effectiveness as dieting periods.
Weight Loss is Best with High Motivation
The researchers emphasize that these findings are observations rather than definitive proof. They explain why people tend to weigh more in winter and less in summer. The authors of the study suggest that those on a diet may achieve the best results in January due to the “fresh start” associated with New Year’s resolutions.
This is further supported by the widespread attempts at weight loss and intensive diet programs. All of this can boost motivation, leading to greater focus on diet plans and more significant weight loss.
According to the scientists, August may be the worst month for sticking to a diet because it is a vacation month. Relaxation during holidays likely complicates adherence to weight loss programs.
Dr. Koutoukidis notes that their hypothesis suggests people are more motivated to lose weight in January because it is typically seen as a “new beginning,” coinciding with New Year’s resolutions. This is why they attend more group sessions and, consequently, achieve the best results in losing excess weight.
However, as the Daily Mail points out, the British Dietetic Association has previously warned that the slogan “New Year, New You” may not be the best approach. This mindset can lead to extreme dieting and harm mental health. It encourages individuals to think about what they should eat more of—such as fiber—rather than focusing on restricting their diets.
