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Fad Diets
What Are Fad Diets?
Fad diets are weight loss plans that become trendy quickly and then lose
enthusiasm just as quickly. They promise ‘quick’ fixes or ‘simple’ plans and
make claims that are almost always ‘too good to be true'.
The attraction of fad diets lies in the promise of losing large amounts of weight
quickly and easily. Because many fad diets are quite restrictive, they can also be
dangerous and lead to nutritional deficiencies.
Caution...
Very low calorie diets can lead to weakness, fainting, and organ damage. In
addition, people who choose to follow fad diets often learn misinformation (e.g.,
“carbohydrates are bad,” “dietary fat is bad”). Studies clearly show that rapid
weight loss is almost always followed by weight regain – often a regain of more
weight than was initially lost. These cycles of weight loss and regain are referred
to as weight cycling, or ‘yo-yo dieting,’ and should be avoided due to their
negative consequences on both mental and physical health.
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Dieting to Sustain Weight Loss
It is important to remember that successful and maintainable weight loss is based
on small cumulative changes toward long-term healthful eating habits. Just as it
takes time to gain weight, it will also take time to lose it.
The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends avoiding diets or diet
products that:
Claim they can help you lose more than 1-2 pounds per week
Claim they can help you lose weight without having to give up ‘fatty
foods’ or having to exercise regularly
Use ‘before’ and ‘after’ photos as proof, and/or post testimonials from
‘real people’ or ‘experts’ who have probably been paid to say what they
say
Suggest limiting food choices to the extent that balanced nutrition
becomes a challenge
Remember...
There is no "secret" to losing weight and there is no miracle food, drug, or additive
that will do the work for you. In order to lose weight healthfully and effectively, you
must ingest fewer calories than you burn, make good dietary choices, and
exercise.
References: Nutrition for Weight Loss: What You Need to Know About Fad Diets
[1]
Related Resources: Weight Loss and Nutrition Myths [2]
Description: A discussion of myths surrounding weight loss with facts and tips
about weight loss, nutrition, and physical activity to dispel common
misunderstandings. Suggestions for improving and implementing healthy habits
are included.
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Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
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Source URL: https://www.impactobesity.com/node/1732
Links:
[1] https://www.impactobesity.com/node/892
[2] http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/weightcontrol/myths/Pages/weight-loss-and-nutrition-myths.aspx
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