I've tracked my diet for a decade, and every time I cut carbs to lose weight, I gain it back within months. Low-carb diets work in the short term, but sustainable fat loss depends on overall calorie balance, not macronutrient ratios. My nutritionist said studies show similar weight loss between low-carb and low-fat groups at 12 months, yet the keto hype persists. Should we still recommend carbohydrate restriction as a first-line approach, or is it just another fad?