Dieting results in long term changes to hormones and muscle fibers.

[Vehl]

28. well

While I agree that the monetary investment analogy does not factor into this directly, I was using that to highlight the preference for short term gains over long term ones present in the minds of a considerable number of people.

For example, when it comes to weight loss, a lot of people try the "lose weight fast" methods, which might not work out and/or have side effects/high-chance of failure. Instead of trying those methods they could have opted for a long-term, but more successful method of eating better and exercising. The Exercise need not be intense, nor the food change huge. Change could and should be gradual so the body grows used to it. This is especially true for exercise....often people get into the "I need to lose weight fast" mode and exercise like crazy...and then slack off...and this is worse than not exercising in the first place. On the other hand, someone who does a little bit of exercise(need not even have to go to gym..can do it at home) and eats a bit healthier...and slowly changes to a more and more healthier diet along with excercise will have a very good chance of not only losing weight, but keeping the lost weight off. The only "downside" of this is that this process will probably take an year or two(for those who have to lose a lot, maybe a bit more)..and most people do not(and cannot) have the discipline/willpower to sustain such a thing. They would rather go for the "lose weight in two weeks" plans.