Calorie counting does work, no matter what some so called experts have been saying on podcasts recently! It is not for everyone though and there are several reasons why it might not be working for you:

Reasons for Inaccuracy or Ineffectiveness

Inaccurate Calorie Counts: The calorie content listed on food labels or in databases can be inaccurate. Factors like food preparation methods and the natural variation in food composition can affect the actual calorie content.
Underestimating Portions: People often underestimate the size of their portions, leading to an underestimation of calories consumed. This can significantly impact the accuracy of calorie tracking.
Overlooking Foods: Small snacks, condiments, or the habit of tasting food while cooking can add up in terms of calorie intake but are often forgotten or deemed too insignificant to record.
Variable Metabolic Rates: Individuals have different metabolic rates, influenced by factors such as age, muscle mass, and genetic background. Standard calorie needs calculations may not be precise for everyone.
Nutrient Absorption Variability: The body may not absorb all the calories from the food consumed. The efficiency of nutrient absorption varies based on the type of food and individual digestive differences.
Psychological Effects: Focusing solely on calories can lead to neglecting the nutritional quality of foods, potentially causing nutritional deficiencies or an unhealthy relationship with food.

Workarounds and Solutions

Use a Food Scale: Measuring food by weight rather than volume can increase the accuracy of your calorie tracking.
Track Everything Diligently: Include all meals, snacks, condiments, and beverages to ensure a more accurate daily calorie count.
Focus on Food Quality: While counting calories still try to prioritise whole, nutrient-dense foods to improve overall health and satiety, which can aid in weight management.
Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to hunger and fullness cues. Eating mindfully can help you maintain a healthy weight as sometimes you don’t need to eat all of your daily calories.
Adjust Based on Results: If you’re not seeing the expected results, reevaluate your calorie intake, activity level, and food choices. Consider consulting with a healthcare professional or weight loss coach for personalised advice.
Use Technology Wisely: Leverage smartphone apps and websites that can help estimate your calorie needs more accurately and to track your food intake and exercise.
Learn About Portion Sizes: Educate yourself on portion sizes to improve your ability to estimate the amount of food you’re consuming more accurately.
Consider a Flexible Approach: Instead of strict calorie counting, some people may find success with other approaches like intuitive eating or focusing on macronutrient balance.

In conclusion, calorie counting can be an effective tool for managing weight as long as you are aware of its potential limitations and work around them. Combining calorie counting with a focus on nutritious foods, portion control, and listening to your body can help overcome these challenges, making it an effective and sustainable approach to losing weight.