Almost by definition, a ‘fad’ diet is one whose popularity is based more on publicity than on confirmed results. The frequent claims of proponents who are quoted making such statements as, “I lost thirty pounds in three weeks!” can and often do lead to dangerous misconceptions.
A good rule of thumb is to take all of the extravagant advertising claims with a (figurative!) spoonful of salt and to consult with your physician before jumping into any sort of rapid weight loss plan.
Most, if not all of the current fad diets, if strictly followed, are going to deprive your body of some of the nutrients it requires to function well. Diabetics in particular should be very wary of any diet plan that calls for major restriction or elimination of any of the main food groups, even if only for a short period of time.
Among the most familiar and popular diets espoused today is the Atkins Diet, which involves a major reduction in the amount of LDL or “bad” cholesterol. There are several dangers with this regime, with the most obvious being induced ketosis where the body falls back not only on stored fat but also on muscle tissue as its energy source. This drawback is one common to many other popular diet plans that advertise “immediate” noticeable loss of weight.
The list of fad diets is long, and as the name suggests, they come and go with remarkable rapidity. Some, like the Atkins and the South Beach Diet, have been so commercially successful that they have become by-words in the weight loss industry. Others lose popularity because they are too expensive, too rigorous or too boring. Often the initial surge of interest is sparked by the endorsement of a “celebrity”.
In this Age of the Internet, millions of people tend to see and follow the latest craze, most with no idea of the potential dangers that may be involved. More often than not, any mention of possible side effects is made in very small print, if at all. This is partly due to the lack of long-term studies in most cases, but also to the very human desire for a quick fix. “Fast and easy” is still a very big attraction.
Keep in mind that all of the legitimate medical and scientific research on the subject of weight loss stresses the need for balance and moderation. Any extreme diet will cause you to lose weight, but only as long as you stick to it. Meanwhile you may very possibly be undermining your health, both short and long term. In addition, once you have reached your ‘goal’, you are very likely to return to your old eating habits.
Any diet that does not provide a long term, manageable and palatable plan of maintenance, including exercise and appropriate changes in lifestyle is just about doomed to failure. Your best possible course of action is to consult with your physician and/or a professional dietician. Get advice from those who have no commercial affiliations or other agenda except your own good health and well-being.
No related posts.