According to a recent report from Fundación Mapfre, seven out of ten Spaniards have tried to lose weight at some point in their lives, averaging seven attempts per person. More than half of these individuals have engaged in some form of miracle diet, usually without the guidance of a healthcare professional. The report highlights the common practices among those seeking to lose weight, with exercise being the most popular method (58% of respondents), followed closely by low-calorie diets (39%), fat restriction (57%), and reduced carbohydrate intake (46%).

In addition to these traditional methods, there is a notable trend towards faster, popular dieting methods, referred to as miracle diets. For example, intermittent fasting is attempted by 30.3% of participants, while extreme low-calorie diets are tried by 20%. Other strategies include skipping meals (12%), following detox diets (11%), and ketogenic diets (10.6%). The data reflects an inclination for quick fixes rather than sustainable weight loss methods, which can lead to the dreaded 'rebound effect,' wherein individuals regain weight after initial weight loss.

The implications of this report are significant, particularly in regard to public health and the need for proper dietary guidance. With many turning to unverified diet fads, there's a risk of harmful consequences to their health. This underscores the importance of medical supervision in weight management strategies and the need for awareness about the limitations and potential dangers of miracle diets. As obesity rates continue to rise, understanding effective, sustainable weight loss is critical for balancing health outcomes in the population.