What you should know about Fad dieting!
As we watch television and read magazines there is a commonly so much advertising for the newest best diet that is guaranteed to work. These diets are called fad diets, also referred to as crash diets. I have read research done on many of these diet plans and found the data to be very interesting. Compelling even to know that so many popular fad diets are being used by so many people, and the effects on the weight loss long term are proven not to work. What makes people make these decisions to put their bodies through so much stress to shed a few pounds? Is it the media pushing so many false claims and the constant strive for perfection? Well I plan to dive deep into this subject and report back what I have discovered. Within this blog I will talk about some of the more commonly talked about fad diets such as Keto, Atkins, Paleo, and Weight watchers. I have interviewed a Registered Dietitian and did a Facebook survey to gather some information on this subject.
So what did I find out you may be wondering? Well the Fad diets do work short term, for quick fixes but fall short of withstanding the weight loss long term. According to the Dietitian I interviewed. “I don’t think they work. They fail because it is not a lifestyle change it is a quick fix, a so-called guarantee but not maintenance plan to keep weight off”. Also according to the survey results, the participants answered that initially they had success but long term they gain the weight back. Thus leaving me with the ultimate results saying that 63% gain their weight back. The RD states that you should balance your diet and not take any food away, see the pyramid above to get an idea of what types of food those are. Furthermore, to have success in weight loss and keeping it off you should also add an exercise regiment. If you need some help further understanding food nutrition here is a website to help with that. https://www.nutrition.gov/
Fad diets are the “popular” idea that participants trying to lose weight see them as a miracle cure and “Just spend x amount of dollars and we will help you lose the weight.” So many marketing campaigns claim. The reality is that most these fad diets are short term effective but long term they don’t work. These diets are not nutritionally balanced for the longevity and fall short of being effective. This is “crash dieting” in a nut shell. Crash the nutrition, starve the body, love the results, but later end up back at square one. It is a cycle that many people struggle with. The recommendation is simply talk to a professional doctor or dietitian. These professionals are highly skilled in food and nutrition. We all know that nutrition is very important for everyday bodily functions and life itself. Let’s take care of our bodies with eating right and monitoring your portion size if you are trying to lose weight. Portion size is something that has grown with the American obesity rate. Go to any restaurant today and notice how big the plate and the amount of food that is on it is. Don’t fall victim to the many fad diet plans just because they are popular and “everyone is doing it.” Do your own research prior making sure it is right for you. Or take a look at some of these research studies already conducted: https://annals.org/aim/article-abstract/735254/meta-analysis-effect-dietary-counseling-weight-loss?doi=10.7326%2f0003-4819-147-1-200707030-00007
Most of the research done was simply to collect data such as weight loss, and asked minimal questions. After a two-year study the results were the weight loss was significant in the first 6 months, but not at the two year mark the BMI was the same: (https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs13668-018-0242-1). There should be more information added to the study like, who added a workout routine and who slipped eating bad foods or food that these diets take away. This plays a key role in whether or not the diet failed due to user error. my personal experience is that if I take away foods, I end up craving those more then ever. The whole process can be frustrating. In order to stay healthy while dieting don’t take away good foods like protein and grains for example, ADD whole foods (see chart above). Also, it is important to balance the amount of K-calories recommended for your specific size and age. Good Luck to you in your weight loss adventure, stay strong and you can achieve anything!
Theresa Wagner
South College Nursing Student
The Flaws in Fad Dieting 