
Fad diets are a sort of diet plan or aid
that aims at losing weight, usually in a relatively short time. Fad diets
attract a large number of people who suffer from weight problems and are
helplessly looking to some way of arriving at a shapely physique. The problem
with fad diets is that their fat-reducing effect is temporary and results in
quick regain of weight. What is worse is that most of these diets are harmful
to health.
Fad diets are not as new as they might seem
at first. These date back to the mid 19th century when an obese
Londoner was prescribed such a diet on experimental basis. Now, after a century
and a half, fad diets have become popular among people with weight problems.
Teens and young adults especially flock to fad diets for answers to weight
problems.
Fad diets are usually centered on a higher
consumption of fats or proteins while stressing to go easy on or, in some
cases, completely cut out carbohydrates. It is the low intake of carbohydrates
that brings about rapid weight loss. In fact, this rapid loss is the loss of
water that glycogen has stored. With loss of glycogen, the large amount of
water stored in it is also lost and body weight drops. The fats are still there
and as the fad diets are given up, the body regains its proportion of water
lost. Weight is put back on as fast as it was lost.
Normally, carbohydrates remain the source
of energy for work. With fad diets, the carbs are no longer there so the body
starts using the stored fat, breaking it down. This may appear beneficial but
in fact it is not. In the absence of carbs, fats cannot be completely oxidized
and put to work. Hence, the body feels fatigued and weak. In addition, the
ketone molecules resulting from the fat-breakdown accumulate in the blood and
are excreted out via urine, causing dehydration.
Given the harmful health effects of fad
diets, it is important for us, especially the weight-conscious people, to
recognize and beware of these diet plans. Watch out for diets that:
- Promise quick weight loss
- Publicize before and after pictures
- Present weight-loss testimonials
- Tend to limit natural food choices
- Require a large sum of money
Fad diets may be popular, but they can
greatly hurt your body. Be careful with any diet or exercise program and ask your
doctor to be sure it is safe.
Comments
Post a Comment