Fad Diets Health Article

High-protein diet

This type of diet does slow the rate of carbohydrate absorption, which helps control blood sugar levels and promotes a feeling of fullness. However, high-protein diets also tend to be high in saturated fat and cholesterol, which can contribute to heart disease. When high-protein diets are followed for a very for a long time, they cause the body to burn excessive amounts of fat for fuel, This releases chemicals called ketones into the bloodstream, causing dizziness, headaches, nausea, and bad breath. Too much protein also places extra work on the kidneys, forcing them to work harder to excrete the nitrogen present in protein. They also create extra work for the liver, which must break the protein compounds into individual amino acids.

Grapefruit diet

While this diet is very low in calories and almost guaranteed to result in some weight loos, limiting dieters to such a small amount of food is very restrictive and eliminates such vital nutrients as calcium, iron, folic acid, and other vitamins.

Food-combining diet

Since fruits are so low in calories, it is possible to lose a significant amount of weight in a short period of time. Due to the protein restriction, however, muscle and organ tissues may be broken down for energy.

Cabbage-soup diet

This diet can cause bloating, gas, nausea, and light-headedness after a few days. It is not recommended by health professionals; but since soup is usually a low-calorie food, eating this soup in conjunction with a healthy diet consisting of a variety of foods can facilitate a healthy weight loss.

Results

While each of these diets may result in a temporary weight loss, most are unhealthful and deprive the body of needed nutrients. Most dieters regain the weight after they stop following the diet.

Health care team roles

The American Dietetic Association, the United States Surgeon General, the National Academy of Sciences, and the American Heart Association all employ qualified professionals who can educate consumers on the advantages and disadvantages of fad diets. While certain components of fad diets may aid in weight management when used in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle, it is not recommended that they be used alone. People must understand that behavior modification is the most effective way to lose weight and keep it off. Through physical exercise, eating a variety of nutritious foods, and consciously changing eating habits, weight loss can be achieved and maintained.

BOOKS

Mahan, Kathleen L., and Sylvia Escott-Stump. Krause's Food, Nutrition, and Diet Therapy. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders Company, 2000.

PERIODICALS

Ashley, Judith M., and William T. Jarvis. "Position of the American Dietetic Association: Food and Nutrition Misinformation." Journal of the American Dietetic Association (June 1995): 705-707.

OTHER

Rhodes, Maura. "Nutrition and Diet: America's Top 6 Fad Diets." Good Housekeeping. <http://goodhousekeeping.women.com/gh/diet/fitness/07fads11.htm> (June 25,2001).

"Send Fad Diets Packing." American Dietetic Association. <http://www.eatright.org/feature/010199.html> (April 28,2001).

"Weight Loss in a Pill." American Dietetic Association Online. <http://www.eatright.org/erm/erm030599.html> (April 28, 2001).

Lisa M. Gourley