There are an endless number of fad diets and weight loss gimmicks in circulation today. Even though these diets and gimmicks are promoted year round, the advertising is heavily increased after January 1, mainly because of resolutions that people make regarding weight loss. Unfortunately, most of these fad diets and weight loss gimmicks offer false hope by making deceptive and fraudulent claims.

There is nothing magical about weight loss. It doesn't matter if it is a liquid diet, a diet of some movie star, or a diet plan consisting of pills, powders, or snack bars. The reality is that if less food is consumed than the body needs on a daily basis, weight loss will occur over a period of time. Many of these diets resurface again; it is usually the same diet with a different name. Frequently, the caloric intake of these fad diets is so low that a person lacks energy and becomes lethargic. The body perceives this as starvation and, as a result, will lower its metabolism. The weight then becomes more difficult to lose and people become discouraged. They quit the diet and old eating patterns return along with the weight, sometimes resulting in a person being heavier and fatter than before starting the diet. A new diet is started again, the weight is lost again, the diet is stopped again, and the weight returns again, resulting in "yo-yo" dieting.

There are a countless number of other weight loss gimmicks that exist. They may consist of herbs, natural and special vitamins, fiber bars, pills that metabolize fat and build lean muscle (no such pill exists), and special drinks. The claims which are made are almost always based on testimonials but rarely on scientific proof. There is typically some long or scientific sounding word associated with the product which puts a shroud of mystery around it. Still, others try to come across with a new image and may say there is nothing special about their product. So now they sound honest and believable - and the product sells.

The attraction of these fad diets and various gimmicks is simple. They are glitzy, glamorous, and offer instant gratification. One of the disclaimers frequently made (in small print) is that for weight loss to occur, changes in diet and exercise habits are necessary. Obviously, it is the changes in those habits that cause the weight loss, not the product itself. Unfortunately, many of these fad diets and gimmicks cause more harm than good. Much of the weight that is lost is water and protein (muscle mass). In addition, rapid weight loss can cause harm to organs such as the heart and gallbladder. Dieting is a temporary solution and diets simply don't work. The purpose of weight loss is to lose excess body fat, not muscle mass.

Most of these diets and gimmicks are costly and can be an ongoing expense. The money spent on these diets is then not available for healthful foods. Diet plans that are very low in calories may lead to malnutrition or some other health problem if the plan is followed long enough. Finally, some of the false claims made may keep people from seeking medical advice when there truly is something wrong with them.

A diet, in the traditional sense, is usually associated with starvation and food deprivation. The truth is that a diet simply consists of the food each of us consume every day. In reality, all of us have a diet because we eat food. A sound, well balanced diet does not leave a person hungry or lacking energy to perform daily tasks. The key to weight loss is to focus on positive, permanent lifestyle changes in both diet and exercise habits. Safe, effective weight loss is 1/2 to 1 pound a week. This gives the body time to adjust to the weight loss and the chances of keeping the weight off is increased. Most of these gimmicks and weight loss programs are not realistic, are short term, and are impossible to live with on a daily basis. Everybody's caloric needs, goals, and lifestyles are different and any weight loss program should be individualized. Remember, it took a certain length of time to put the weight on; it only makes sense that it will take some time to take it off.

Copyright© 1999-2006 Kevin Kelly, LRD. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use prohibited.

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