Every year, millions of Americans go on a diet. About 97 million of them.

Ninety-seven million men, women and teens make the herculean effort to lose weight using a wide range of diets. Some throw in the towel after just a few days. Others stick it out longer, and experience some weight loss.

But over time the weight usually creeps back on, with most people regaining the weight lost within 2 years. Sometimes they gain even more weight than they had to lose to begin with, and subsequent weight loss is even more difficult.

It’s frustrating! It can even be depressing.

So why and how do people gain weight? Is it too much sugar? Too many carbs? Too many calories in general?

And what really works for sustainable, healthy weight loss? Are all diets created equal? Is weight loss by any means a good idea?

These questions are explored in the new documentary film Diet Fiction. It’s directed by Michal Siewierski (Food Choices) and features over 30 experts and influencers in the health and wellness field.

Diet Fiction – How the Diet Industry Makes People Fatter and Sicker

I watched the movie this week along with my husband. While some might call it a “talking head” documentary, the information is solid and it covers the topic of obesity and weight loss in an approachable and understandable way.

Some of the content includes:

Why exercising is not very effective for weight loss
The problem with supplements and pills for weight loss
Why all calories are not equal
Processed food – how food manufacturers hijack our taste buds with sugar, salt and fat
The very real risks of high fat diets
Carbs – the difference between good carbs and the bad ones, and how low-carb diets fail
Why dieting has a near zero percent success rate (you are not alone!)
The problem with Paleo, Keto and other high fat, low-carb diets despite the weight loss
The #1 food associated with weight gain
How a whole food, plant-based dietary pattern supports sustainable, healthy weight loss
Why you don’t have to be vegan or eat 100% plant-based to enjoy the benefits of this way of eating
How the government makes it hard for you to make good food choices
Why you can’t rely on your doctor or Registered Dietitian to make good dietary recommendations

Physicians and Experts Share the Truth About Dieting and Weight Loss

The information is shared by respected physicians like Dr. Dean Ornish, Dr. Neal Barnard, Dr. Garth Davis, Dr. Michael Greger, and Dr. Pam Popper. Their decades of research and work with patients is a testimony that there are physicians out there that know how to help patients reverse chronic conditions including obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Not just medicate them and send them for more surgeries.

Included in the mix were some dietitians, health coaches and influencers that you may be familiar with like Rich Roll (Finding Ultra) Julieanna Hever, R.D. (Vegiterranean diet) and Adam Sud (Mastering Diabetes.)

I was surprised and thrilled to see they included Jonny Juicer, a fellow Health Coach and Institute for Integrative Nutrition grad. While he didn’t speak about juicing, there was a juice glass in the background, and he talked about his own health journey and had some encouragement for others wanting the same.

Where to Watch Diet Fiction

The movie is currently available to watch on iTunes, Amazon Prime, Google Play, Vimeo on Demand, Redbox Streaming and other digital platforms.

Deepen Your Knowledge for Success

There is a companion book by the same name by Dr. Pam Popper that goes into more depth. If you’re a nutrition nerd like I am, you’ll be happy to know it includes all the references to the studies mentioned in the movie. It’s a slim, 160-page book, but the margins are very narrow, and the information is straight to the point. (Just like Pam!)

Ready to Take Action?

If you are interested in ditching diets for good and achieving real health in a right-size body, I encourage you to watch this movie, as well as Food Choices and Forks Over Knives (both available on Netflix.)

If you’d like support for transitioning to a whole food, plant-based lifestyle that works for you, my coaching programs are tailored to each individual. Click here to book your complimentary 30-minute Health Consultation with me today. We’ll discuss your health goals and challenges, and explore options for support.