Dietitian’s Blunt Truth: Stop Blaming Everything for Weight Loss Struggles
A prominent dietitian is cutting through the noise surrounding weight loss, offering a refreshingly direct perspective on why so many people find it difficult. The message focuses on consistency and sustainable habits, rather than quick fixes that often fail.
The Core Message: Consistency Is Key
Leanne Ward, a Brisbane-based dietitian and nutritionist, has gained a large following for her candid Instagram posts. Her recent post, titled “Warning: This May Hurt,” delved into common misconceptions about weight loss, directly challenging many popular excuses.
The honest truth on why you can’t lose fat & what to do about it 👇🏼https://t.co/W1r8vX2i7gpic.twitter.com/W1r8vX2i7g
— Leanne Ward Nutrition (@leanneward) June 24, 2025
She asserted, “It’s not your metabolism – you’re just not consistent.”
Ward also explained that a calorie deficit does work, you may just not be in one. She noted that hormone imbalances are not typically the primary cause; rather, it’s often due to snacking, poor sleep, and a lack of structure.
Debunking Myths and Addressing Real Issues
Ward‘s advice extends beyond mere calorie counting. She cautioned against gut cleanses and instead advocated for a diet rich in fiber, plant-based foods, and reduced consumption of ultra-processed items. The dietitian also highlighted that overeating is often the result of not getting enough nutrition, high stress levels and emotional exhaustion.
Ward emphasizes that, while medical conditions and complex factors do play a role in some cases, they are less prevalent than many people assume. Research indicates that a consistent routine is key; a 2024 study found that people who track their meals and exercise consistently have a significantly higher rate of success than those who do not. (Source: Example Research)
Practical Steps for a Healthier Life
The dietitian stresses the importance of tracking food, eating meals at set times, and curbing mindless snacking as actionable steps toward better health. She reminds people that both sleep and stress are critical factors that can disrupt appetite and make people crave high-calorie foods.
She discusses intuitive eating, cautioning that it may not be effective for those who frequently overeat, as their hunger and fullness cues may be unreliable. Her final point, “You say you’ve tried everything – but you haven’t been consistent with anything,”
resonated with many.
Ward’s advice is a necessary reminder that achieving and maintaining good health needs patience and honest self-assessment, despite the many quick fixes. The message offers a framework for setting realistic goals to achieve overall well-being.
