The Facts on Fad Diets - Clay Serenbetz
Weight loss veterans know that losing weight and keeping it off requires a long-term commitment, yet even savvy dieters can occasionally be tempted by the quick weight loss promised by fad diets. As each new “lose weight fast” gimmick comes along, some people forget about the negatives associated with most fad diets — from a lack of nutritional value to food restrictions that are hard to live with — while others might not know if the weight-loss plan they’re considering is a fad or a program that could be helpful over the long haul. Here’s how to tell a flash-in-the-pan plan from an effective one.
Beware Magical Claims and Passing Promises
“It seems to be human nature to be attracted to fad diets, which promise quick and easy results,” says Allen Knehans, PhD, chair of the department of nutritional sciences at Oklahoma University Health Sciences University in Oklahoma City. Weeding out fad diets takes a bit of effort because, Knehans acknowledges, “there is no standard definition of a fad diet.” Here are some of the red flags that indicate a weight-loss plan is an ineffective fad diet:
The diet promises that you will lose weight fast or at an unrealistic pace. The claims sound too good to be true. The diet's recommendations are based on a single study – or no research at all.
The diet's recommendations seem extreme.
Statements made about the diet are refuted by reputable scientific organizations.
It refers to foods as “good” or “bad.”
Personal testimonials are used to “sell” the diet.
The fad diet involves crash dieting, or very intense reductions in eating and drinking.
“Fad diets are the parachute pants of nutrition,” explains nutritionist Judy Penta, BS,
