The Journal of the American Medical Association released what its calling a "controversial editorial,"  targeting fad diets and claiming they don’t work.

It argues that the only way to lose weight substantially is by changing overall behavior.

Dr. Roshini Raj, a physician at NYU Medical Center and Contributing Medical Editor to Health Magazine, explains that the point of the article is not to dissuade readers from dieting.

She says the article urges people focus on “the behavior that goes along with our patterns of exercise and eating,” and making a “lifestyle modification.”

Dr. Raj says behavior modification methods like counseling with a nutritionist or a dietician or checking in with support groups have been shown to help with dramatic weight loss.

“The diets, any particular diet, whether it’s high protein or low carb hasn't really shown sustained big benefits,” Dr. Raj says.

“That's why this article is coming out, saying we really need to focus our resources and attention more on a holistic change in behavior, not just what we’re eating.”

Dr. Raj offers advice with the following example: If you have a tub of ice cream in the freezer, are you someone who eats it in two days or two weeks?

“It's not that the ice cream is the problem. “It's how you're eating it,” Dr. Raj says.

“Focus on that, talk to your nutritionist, to your doctor, get some support and take a holistic approach.”