The Truth About Fad Diets
More than half of Americans are overweight and spend approximately
$33 billion a year on weight reduction programs and products. At any one
time, 1/3 of adult women and 1/4 of adult men are on a diet. Despite the
financial investment and time commitment, most Americans are unsuccessful
for long-term weight loss. Listed below or some of the common diet fads
that people follow. Click on the the link or scroll down to learn about
the claims and the truths about many common diet fads:
| DIET FAD | CLAIM | REALITY |
|---|---|---|
| Enter the Zone By Dr Sears, PHD | This fad claims that you can lose weight permanently with exceptionally easy rules.This Fad claims to reset your genetic code. By eating unfavorable foods such as pasta, bananas, breakfast cereals,potatoes,breads,and carrots, insulin levels will be raised to promote obesity and other health problems. | One misconception is that genetic codes are possible to reset and there are no scientific studies that support the notion that grain and bread consumption produce "biochemical processes." A second misconception is that certain carbohydrates are unfavorable and that they raise insulin levels promoting obesity and other health problems. Regardless of the source, excess calories can cause weight gain. There is no scientific evidence to suggest that carbohydrates stimulate appetite and lead to more storage and weight gain. |
|
Dr. Atkins New
Diet Revolution By Robert C. Atkins, MD | Dieters can eat unlimited amounts of fat and protein; severe restriction on carbohydrates to "promote the burning of fat." This diet allows people to naturally overcome food obsession. | No scientific journal has published any articles verifying the success of the high-protein diet. Carbohydrates, broken down into glucose, is the only form of energy the brain can use. The advice runs contrary to most health organizations which recommend a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. The Atkins diet is high in saturated fat which is linked to increased risk of heart disease. |
|
Sugar
Busters! By H. Steward. M. Berthea, MD S. Andrews, MD, L. Balart, MD | Eating sugar causes the body to release insulin, a hormone that promotes fat storage, and obesity results from insulin overload. Several foods are eliminated:fruit should be eaten by themselves and fluids should be consumed in small quantities during meals. Excess fluids dilute the digestive juices which may result in food not being competely broken down. | Published reports have discussed the importance of carbohydrates in the diet. The American Dietetic Association recommends a variety of foods in the diet that follow the Food Guide Pyramid. There are no scientific studies to support the fluid statements. It is important to drink 9-10 glasses of fluid per day to avoid fatigue and dehydration, maintain fluid balance, and help with weight loss. Body does produce insulin in response to blood sugar rise, but insulin promotes fat storage only when a person eats too many calories. |
| Magic or miracle foods (Cabbage soup diet; grapefruit diet) | Claim that foods burn fat or melt fat away. These special foods are better than other foods. | There are no super foods that can undo the long-term effects of overeating and lack of activity. There is no scientific research which supports evidence that certain foods "burn fat." Each of the food groups provide some, but not all, of the nutrients you need. No one food group is more important than another. For good health you need them all. The American Dietetic Association recommends a variety of foods to ensure optimal health. |
| Specific Food Combinations | Recommends eating specific foods together in order to "increase you metabolism" or "burn fat faster". | Eating the wrong combination of foods does not cause them to produce toxins or turn to fat. There is no scientific proof that combining or sequencing specific foods enhances weight loss. |
| Eating by Your Blood Type | Suggests that by eating certain foods according to your blood type, you can maintain an ideal body weight. | There is no scientific research that supports eating certain foods according to your blood type will help with ideal body weight. |
