Fad Diets: Why Are They Bad?
We hate to be the bearer of bad news but there is no quick and easy solution to weight loss. The internet is aghast with fad diets promising quick and easy results. Many people love to hold hope that there is a new and faster way to lose weight. Every new diet brings a new hope that this may be the time you achieve your goals in a shorter timeframe. It should be no surprise, fad diets are not healthy or effective long term.
You can spot them by a shiny marketing campaign and testimonials with impressive before and after. Usually hitting mainstream media in a 6 to 12 month cycle. The old saying goes, “if it looks to good to be true then it probably is”. The team at Stepz Fitness has been through their paces when it comes to jumping on new diet crazes so don’t feel embarrassed. We simply hope to glean some light on why you may want to go for a longer-term and sustainable approach to weight loss.
On the internet, a quick search will show new diets claiming to have unlocked the secret to significant weight loss in just a few days. That type of weight loss is always temporary. It is usually 90% water which will be put straight back on as soon as your body rehydrates, which it must do if you are not going to suffer severe health problems. Studies show weight loss of about .5–1 kilograms per week is reasonable and more likely to be maintained.
How to spot a Fad Diet
Typically, a fad diet shares some, or all, of the following characteristics:
- Promises a quick fix
- Promotes ‘magic’ foods or combinations of foods
- Implies that food can change body chemistry
- Excludes or severely restricts food groups or nutrients, such as carbohydrates
- Has rigid rules that focus on weight loss
- Makes claims based on a single study or testimonials only.
Whatever the publicity materials may say, these diets will not help you in the long term. The best way to sustain weight loss is to eat a varied and healthy diet, do not overeat, exercise regularly and avoid fad diets.
References
betterhealth.vic.gov.au. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Jan. 2018.
<https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/weight-loss-and-fad-diets>.