Weight loss through dieting alone is difficult, and in most cases ineffective. Long-term weight control through dieting alone is successful only 2 percent of the time. About 35 to 45 percent of weight decrease due to dieting results from a loss of lean tissue. When dieting, it is important to remember that minimum caloric intake should not go below 1,000 to 1,200 calories per day for a female and not below 1,200 to 1,400 calories per day for a male.