Fad Diet Research Paper

Fad Diets: Look Before You Leap
Food Insight, March 1, 2000
No,

says

Diane

Quagliani,

RD,

a

spokesperson

for

The

American

Dietetic

Association. "Fad diets are a short-term, quick-fix approach to weight loss that don't work over the long haul. These diets tend to over-promise results but don't deliver. Food choices are often monotonous, and caloric intake may be very restricted, so that once the novelty wears off, so does the motivation to continue."
Even the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has recognized the huge popularity of fad diets, and in February it sponsored the Great Nutrition Debate, a discussion panel that featured popular diet book authors as well as nutrition and weight loss researchers.
In the end,
USDA indicated that it might be time for government researchers to evaluate the various diets to help sort fact from fiction.
There is a dire lack of scientific research to corroborate the theories expounded in the majority of diet books currently on the market. Most promise weight loss programs that are easy, allow favorite foods or foods traditionally limited in weight loss diets without limitations, and do not require a major shift in exercise habits. Often, adds Sachiko St. Jeor, PhD, RD, Director of the
Nutrition Education and Research Program at the University of Nevada School of Medicine,
"fad diet book authors take a scientific half-truth that is complex and use that as the basis for their arguments." Authors may simplify or expand upon biochemistry and physiology in an effort to help support their theories and provide a plethora of scientific jargon that people do not understand but that seems to make sense. And few, if any, offer solid scientific support for their

claims in the form of published research studies. Instead, most evidence is based on anecdotal findings, theories, and testimonials of short-term
Eating too many carbohydrates causes production of excessive amounts of insulin, leading to obesity and a variety of other health problems. Drastically decreasing dietary intake of

carbohydrates forces the body to burn reserves of stored fat for energy, a condition known as ketosis, which leads to decreased hunger and a metabolic advantage. Dietary Recommendations:
* Limits carbohydrates to 20 grams/day for the induction phase of the diet and 0 to 60 grams/day in the ongoing weight loss phase. Carbohydrate intake ranges from 25 to 90 grams/day in the maintenance diet.
* Unlimited quantities of protein foods and fat-steak, bacon, eggs, chicken, fish, butter, and vegetable oil-are allowed. Avoid or limit carbohydrates, specifically breads, pasta, most fruits and vegetables, milk, and yogurt.
Concerns:
* No published scientific studies support the diet claims.
* Offers extremely limited food choices. Diet is nutritionally unbalanced and excessively high in protein, fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol.
* Promotes ketosis as a means of weight loss.
* Suggests that a high-saturated-fat, low-carbohydrate diet does not have an effect on lipids.
* Dehydration is possible if large amounts of water are not