Over the last 40 - 50 years the diet industry has grown from with the promise of a miracle weight loss solutions. When we consider the growth of the diet industry and the growth of the incidence of obesity, it is easy to see just how ineffective the diet industry has been in achieving what it promises.
Popular Weight loss Diets:
Low Carbohydrates/ High Protein Diets= Dr Atkins " new diet resolution" is a well known low carb diet. In 2003 Dr Atkins " New Diet Resolution" book outsold every other book in the uk by a factor of 3:1 ( "Harry porter and the order of the phoenix" was second). Every magazine and TV show talked about it; fantastic claims of magical weight loss abounded; celebrity endorsed it. Yet what does the diet actually consists of?
Unlimited amount of Protein and fatty foods, including meat, eggs, cheese, cream etc.. but severely cuts backs on carbs. Dr Atkins (himself a cardiologist) states that following this diet you can change your metabolic rate, lose weight quickly and easily. Too many carbs he's says causes over production of insulin, leading to increase hunger and weight gain. carbs are therefore severely limited in the diet, while protein and fats are allowed in unlimited amounts.
There is certainly some truth in what he says, and those who have tried an opposite diet (i.e low fat, high carbs) without success have found the Atkins diet effective and rated it very easy to follow as there are no complicated meal plans.
They enjoyed the fact that " banned foods" were allowed. Some research suggests that low carbs diet could help certain individuals to maximise body fat loss: Insulin is a hormone that increase the activity of lipoprotien lipase, an enzyme that promotes fat storage in muscle and adipose tissue. Research has shown that there was nearly half as much insulin in the blood of group of participants consuming a low carbs diet compared to a high carbs diet. Low carbs/ high protein diets may lead to reduced fasting insulin levels.
Low carb diet lead to a reduction in glycogen storage. Because glycogen is stored together with 3-4 times its weight in water, much of the rapid weight loss experienced may merely be fluid loss. The digestion of protein requires far more energy (diet thermogenesis) than that of carbs, so increasing energy expenditure and contribution to fat loss.
However, there are many questionable aspects of the diet when long term healthy eating is considered. For example:
There have been claims it could be a problem for those with weak kidneys
The american Heart Association have released a statement saying they do not endorse it.
The diet is deficient in certain vitamins and minerals.
The diet in deficient in fibre
The diet is deficient in many antioxidants phytochemicals, found in wholegrain and fruits.
The diet is very difficult to implement for vegetarians.
Most food allowed are expensive.
It is awkward to order a meal in a restaurant ( although " Atkins " items now appear on may menu's)
The diet can be high in saturated fats ( although research in this area has found that this does not necessarily lead to an increase in cholesterol)
If adopted universally, it would be impossible to feed large concentrated population. We rely on carb cereal crops as out staple diet.
The Atkins diet is not suitable for a regular exerciser. High carb diets have consistently been shown to be be beneficial for athletes. For regular exercisers, Ketosis (inefficient breakdown of fats because of to little carbs) is at risk, together with muscle wasting, leading to a drop in basal metabolic rate.
Finally, it is worth mentioning that cutting out carbs severely restricts the range of foods that may be eaten. Meat, fish, cheeses,eggs and some vegetables are all allowed. But bread, potato, rice, pasta, breakfast cereals, pudding, cakes, biscuits, sweets, most fruit, wine, beer, etc. are not allowed
LOOK OUT FOR THE CONTINUOUS INFORMATION ON OTHER DIETS COMING!
YOU HAVE TO READ THIS CAREFULLY TO UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF WHY DIETS IN LONG TERM EFFECT ARE HORRENDOUS!
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