- Cleveland Clinic Articles: Fad Diets. (2022, January 24). Retrieved from Cleveland Clinic Website: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9476-fad-diets
- Government, U. (2022, January 24). MyPlate. Retrieved from United States Department of Agriculture Website: https://www.myplate.gov/
Fad Diets: How You Spot One & Knowing The Health Risks
These days it seems that there are fad diets at every turn, promising a quick fix. A quick fix for weight loss is appealing on the surface; however, it isn’t the healthiest option. So let’s look at fad diets and why they aren’t a healthy option. March is National Nutrition Month, after all.
What is a fad diet, and how do you spot one?
The Cleveland Clinic reminds us that all fad diets have one thing in common, they propose a temporary solution for what is, for many, a lifelong problem. Unfortunately, any lost weight is often gained back quickly once these diets end. This is a direct result of a diet not focusing on lifestyle modification. Lifestyle and behavior modifications are necessary to keep the weight off long term. (Cleveland Clinic Articles: Fad Diets, 2022)
Risks
Fad diets also come with health risks. In fact, no research proves fad diets are safe in the long run. These risks can include, but are not limited to:
FAD DIETS SHARE SOME COMMON CHARACTERISTICS, SUCH AS:
- A promise of quick weight loss
- Often recommend expensive supplements
- Little to no focus on changing eating habits permanently
- Use scientific language but are not supported by scientific evidence
- Limit food selections that may lead to feelings of deprivation and nutritional deficiencies
- Elimination of one or more of the five food groups
Remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
(Sciarrillo, Joyce, Hildebrand, & Emerson, 2020) A fad diet that promises great weight loss hardly seems worth it, especially considering these health risks.
If you are considering making some dietary changes, consult your healthcare team. Another good resource is www.ChooseMyPlate.gov. This site provides recommendations based on building a healthy plate while focusing on balance, variety, and moderation, which can create healthy changes that are sustainable for life.
If you are considering making some dietary changes, consult your healthcare team. Another good resource is www.ChooseMyPlate.gov. This site provides recommendations based on building a healthy plate while focusing on balance, variety, and moderation, which can create healthy changes that are sustainable for life.
Fad diets come with health risks and are not healthy options.
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