For much of human history, we’ve turned to diets to lose weight and improve our health. But it’s mostly been in vain. Because no matter how much the number on the scale drops, chances are the weight will come back. That’s just what the science says. 

But when it comes to our weight, the facts don’t seem to make much difference. Dieting still has a grip on all of us. 

Losing It, a new series from Bloomberg’s Prognosis, investigates how we got weight loss so wrong — and whether there’s a better way forward. Losing It launches on July 12. Subscribe to Prognosis today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your favorite podcasts.

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