Six Signs of A Scam Diet
Here’s six fool-proof ways to find out whether the diet you’re about to follow is a scam. With so many fakes out there, making more and more outrageous promises, it’s difficult to separate the geniune weight loss plans from the dud diets.
These six signs are based on research by Christopher R. Mohr from The University of Pittsburgh, and reprinted by eDiets.
“As a general rule, stay away from diets or programs that do any of the following:
1. Draw simple conclusions from complex medical research. Without seeing the entire study or understanding how to comb through the research, it is impossible to understand the conclusions. It is very easy to extrapolate individual components of a study to make it applicable to what is being promoted.
2. Promise permanent weight loss without exercise. While it is possible to lose weight without exercise, there will be a large loss of lean body mass (muscle) weight in addition to fat. It is ideal to preserve as much lean body mass as possible during weight loss, even though it is inevitable to lose some. Research has also shown it is very difficult to maintain the weight loss without exercise.
3. Claim to produce rapid weight loss. It is recommended that individuals lose 1-2 pounds a week. If weight loss is occurring much more rapidly than this, it’s a lot of water weight and loss of lean body mass. Neither helps with permanent fat loss. Slow and steady wins the race!
4. Require the purchase of pills, potions, or other dietary supplements. Weight loss is very achievable with a slight decrease in calories and increase in physical activity. Instead of decreasing the size of your stomach, most pills, potions, and other dietary supplements will cause a decrease in the size of your wallet.
5. Eliminate an entire macronutrient or drastically limit any food group. A balanced diet is the best and safest way to successfully lose weight and ultimately keep it off. Moderation and portion control are the keys!
6. Offer testimonials from “health professionals.” It is unfortunately hard to convince consumers that testimonials are typically paid advertisements. Wearing a lab coat does not make a person a qualified professional. Seek the advice of a registered dietitian or other true health professional.”
So please, before starting any diet or taking any supplement, take a look at these six signs.