Faddy diets / low carbohydrate diets / elimination diets

The Problem with Faddy Diets

Over the years there have been numerous diets put forward - all offering miracle cures and quick fixes. The only way to lose weight is to either reduce your energy intake or increase your energy output through exercise. The net effect is to ensure that output exceeds input. Diets that limit energy intake will achieve weight loss but it is important to still eat a variety of foods and chose a balanced healthy diet. Many 'diets' reduce the number of calories simply by cheating and removing a food group. Some elimination diets remove carbohydrates like bread due to a mistaken belief that foods like bread are fattening.

Faddy diets have been around as long as conventional science.   Examples include the Hay and Atkins diets, the South Beach and the Zone diet.  All work by either removing or limiting intake of carbohydrate. Weight gain tends to be gradual and the most effective way to lose weight and keep it off is to lose the weight slowly and steadily. With elimination diets, the weight loss tends to be rapid (mostly muscle and water). With such quick fixes the metabolism goes into starvation mode, and over time the body becomes less efficient at losing weight.

It is not surprising that consumers are confused about proven weight loss messages, given the volume of fad diets, especially in the post-Christmas and summer periods.  Part of the problem can be attributed to the fact that the media continue to promote faddy diets, that lack a scientific basis but are deemed newsworthy because they are celebrity endorsed.  Consequently sensible messages based on sound science and tried and tested, credible treatments for obesity are lost.

In 2003, in response to the obesity epidemic and to counter the faddy diet approach the Flour Advisory Bureau (FAB) and the Grain Information Service (GIS) produced a new report called Tackling the Weight of the Nation.

The report reveals extensive research in relation to low-fat, high carbohydrate diets and showed conclusively that an effective strategy for long-term weight management with clear health benefits does exist. The health strategies that can achieve this are clear and consistent and require people to:

• Be more active, reducing sedentary activities and increasing programmed exercise
  
• Eat less fat
  
• Eat proportionally more wholegrain and high-fibre carbohydrate foods
  
• Reduce added sugars, especially soft drinks
  
• Reduce portions of energy-dense foods
  
• Plan regular meals, including breakfast