live well
Fad Diets
June
2010
High protein diets can cause weight loss for two main
reasons:
™™ Water loss during first few weeks
™™ An increase of up to 25% in the body’s basal metabolic
rate because the body must burn more calories to break
down protein than to digest other foods
Increases in dietary protein without increasing fat can
reduce the risk for heart disease. This includes egg whites,
low-fat turkey, and other meats. However, many of these
diets encourage wholesale consumption of fat as well.
Causes for concern include:
Understanding Fad Diets
Like those who program computer viruses, some originators
of fad diets like to play pranks, even at the risk of life and
health. Many fad diets also spring from the desire to make
a quick buck. Diets fraudulently attributed to the American
Heart Association (AHA) and sold for a copying fee include
three-day and seven-day diets, as well as hot dog diets
featuring high fat items like ice cream and cheddar cheese.
Another diet ascribed to AHA is the cabbage soup diet.
Fad diets promise quick and dramatic weight loss, and
feature emphasis on particular foods or food groups. More
traditional diets generally link to the USDA’s food guide
pyramid, and recommend decreased fat, increased complex
carbohydrates, and moderate amounts of low-fat protein.
High Protein Diets
Although this idea goes back more than 30 years, one of the
most popular fad diets promotes fewer carbohydrates and
more fat or protein. Some variants include Atkins, Sugar
Busters, Protein Power, Carbohydrate Addicts, and the
Zone. The idea is that carbohydrate intake makes the body
produce insulin, and increased insulin levels cause weight
gain. The American Dietetic Association and other groups
have publicly denounced this high protein diet.
™™ Increases in low-fat protein can reduce LDL (bad
cholesterol) but also reduce good cholesterol and raise
fasting triacyclglycerol concentrations, both of which
increase risks for heart disease
™™ Protein digestion leaches calcium from the bones,
increasing the risk for hip fractures and osteoporosis
™™ Digesting large amounts of protein works the kidneys
harder and may cause long-term kidney disease
™™ High protein diets raise concerns about increased cancer
risks
™™ By emphasizing protein, the dieter may not obtain
enough fiber and nutrients, leading to a host of other
health dangers
™™ It’s interesting to note that the latest Atkins diet is higher
in mono and polyunsaturated fats, and includes both soy
and fiber
This Employee Benefits Bulletin is brought to you by your Human Resources Department and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other
medical professional if you have questions about any medical condition, diagnosis or treatment. Health and wellness information provided by OnlineBenefits, Inc., who will not be liable for any damages arising from the use of this information, and
makes no warranties or representations of any kind with respect to the information contained herein.
Images in this publication © 2010 Thinkstock