Fad Diets
The University of Georgia
Cooperative Extension Service
Why Is America Gaining Weight?
• We’re eating too
much
• We’re getting too
little physical
activity
The Lure of Fad Diets
• Promise of quick
weight loss
• Less hunger
• Unlimited amounts
of some foods
Fad Diets Are Not New
Many are recycled weight loss plans from the
’70s:
• The Stillman Diet
• Dr. Atkins Diet Revolution
• The Scarsdale Diet
• Airforce Diet
Popular Fad Diets
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•
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Atkins
South Beach
Protein Power
The Hamptons Diet
The Zone
Sugar Busters
Dr. Phil’s Ultimate
Weight Solution
Low Carbohydrate Diets
• Based on the myth that
carbohydrates are bad
and cause weight gain
– May include unlimited
portions of meat,
poultry, fish, cheese,
and eggs
– Restricts fruits, many
vegetables, grains and
milk products
Lo Carb
Ice
Cream
Are Low Carbohydrate Diets
Recommended?
• These major health organizations recommend
eating more fruits, vegetables, beans and whole
grains, not low carb diets:
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The World Health Organization
National Cancer Institute
American Heart Association
American Diabetes Association
American Dietetic Association
Do Low Carbohydrate Diets
Work?
• “Quick weight loss” due to fluid loss
– Regained when carbohydrate intake resumes
• If you eat fewer calories on any diet, you’ll
lose weight
– Very limited food choices
– Foods often eaten in excess are prohibited
– Use of “low carb” processed foods increases
calories
Are Low Carbohydrate Diets
Harmful?
• Deficient in important
nutrients
• High in cholesterol and
saturated fat
• Possible risk of
dehydration, kidney
stones, bone loss, heart
disease, certain cancers,
and kidney disease
Beware of Fad Diets
• Promise quick weight
loss
• Cut out certain foods
or food groups
• Sound too good to be
true
• List “good” and “bad”
foods
• Make weight
loss claims using
personal testimonials
and not scientific
evidence
• Contradict major
health organizations
recommendations
Fad Diets Do Not Perform Magic
• There are no quick
fixes
• There are no foods
that have special
properties that cause
weight gain or weight
loss
Words of the Wise
• Remember the tortoise in
The Tortoise and the Hare:
“One step and another. I
am slow but I am
steady. And I am the
winner !”
Lose Weight the Healthy Way
• Eat a variety of foods
• Include at least 5
servings of fruits and
vegetables each day
• Eat small portions
• Limit sugary foods
Lose Weight the Healthy Way
• Limit foods high in
fat, especially
saturated fat, and
cholesterol
• Be physically active
for at least 30
minutes most days
Points to Remember
• Fad diets do not perform magic
• Fad diets can be harmful
• Calories count
• Lifestyle changes are important
Best advice: Become more physically active
and eat smaller portions of a well-balanced
diet