5 common mistakes made by those trying to lose weight alone

Apr 23, 2026
5-common-mistakes-made-by-those-trying-to-lose-weight-alone5 common mistakes made by those trying to lose weight alone

Professional guidance and the adoption of balanced and sustainable habits over time are essential to ensure healthy and lasting weight loss

Many people begin the weight loss process on their own, opting for radical cuts, fad diets or strategies found on the internet, in an attempt to achieve quick results. However, according to nutritionist Lucas Moraro, some of these habits, despite seeming correct, can compromise long-term results. Furthermore, some practices tend to be difficult to maintain and can lead to nutritional deficiencies, loss of muscle mass and even the so-called accordion effect.

Below, the professional lists the most common mistakes made by those trying to lose weight alone. Check it out!

1. Cut out carbohydrates completely

One of the most frequent mistakes, according to Lucas Moraro, is treat carbohydrates as a villain and eliminate it from your diet. When this happens without criteria, it is common to experience a drop in energy, worsening performance, irritability and difficulty in maintaining the plan for a long time.

2. Consume less carbohydrates than necessary

Another point of attention is to reduce the amount of carbohydrates too much without considering the routine. According to the nutritionist, depending on the level of physical activity and mental demand, this restriction can increase fatigue, compulsion and the desire for sweets, especially at the end of the day or on weekends.

3. Spending many hours without eating

Fasting for long periods is also a common mistake. Many people eat only two meals a day, believing that this accelerates weight loss. However, as Lucas Moraro explains, arriving at meal times excessively hungry can lead to overeating, snacking and loss of eating control.

Reducing food intake after overeating increases anxiety and encourages episodes of loss of control (Image: Kmpzzz | Shutterstock)

Trying to be extremely strict during the week and reducing your eating even more on the weekend is another strategy that can backfire. For the nutritionist, this behavior increases anxiety, intensifies the feeling of deprivation and favors episodes of lack of control, especially in social situations.

5. Just focus on eating less

Many people believe that losing weight is just about cutting calories. However, Lucas Moraro highlights that factors such as satiety, quality of food, sleep, hydrationroutine and individuality are also fundamental. Without this, the process becomes difficult to sustain.

It is important to consider your own reality

In the end, the biggest mistake, according to the nutritionist, is trying to lose weight on impulse, copying ready-made diets and fads without considering reality itself. “When a person tries to lose weight alone, the problem is usually not a lack of effort, but an excess of the wrong strategy. Cutting too much, restricting too much and trying to make up for everything at the weekend only increases the chance of losing control. What really works is a plan adjusted to the routine, which the person can maintain without living in a constant feeling of deprivation”, says Lucas Moraro.

By Adriana Quintairos

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