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Fad diets

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For many Americans, the struggle to lose weight is hard with unhealthy lifestyles taking part in it. The overweight and unhealthy are now finding dangerous ways to lose weight by using fad diets.

Common fad diets used include liquid diets, Mayo Clinic diets, Atkins Grapefruit diet, Weight Watchers, Slim Fast and more. With the endless list, dieticians and nutritionists say there are risks when using these diets.

Results from using fad diets vary. According to experts, your body may lose weight quickly while using fad diets, but when you stop using them, the weight returns.

Lauren Wilson said she has been trying to lose weight for three months, and has tried using some fad diets but they failed.

ā€œI tried using Slim Fast, but I didnā€™t like the taste of it, and I tried Weight Watchers but the list of foods they want you to eat I already didnā€™t eat,ā€ said Wilson.

Vannessa Chumbley, a registered dietician at Clarian Hospital said fad diets alters the bodyā€™s metabolism, by tricking your body into thinking it will not get any food, so it feeds off the stored fat in your body.

Besides corrupting your metabolism, fad diets can lead to low blood iron, osteoporosis or damage your immune and nervous system.

There are several reasons why quick diets are popular, and millions of dollars are spent on them every year.

ā€œFad diets look appealing to the eyes, and viewers want to believe the promise they make of losing weight quick,ā€ said Chumbley.

Though fad diets are favored, many people are also resorting to gastric bypass surgery to lose weight. To be considered for it, candidates must have a Body Mass Index of 40 or above, or at least 100 pounds overweight.

However, experts say before individuals look into gastric bypass surgery, there is a lot of education and commitment that comes along with it as well as putting your life at risk by having the surgery.

Diet pills are also common fads used to lose weight quick. Many of the products are not Food and Drug Approved (FDA). According to Chumbley, the only diet pill that is FDA approved is Alli, which breaks down food in your digestive system.

Still, experts say the only safe way to lose weight is to exercise and change eating habits. They also suggest substituting fried foods for grilled, margarine instead of butter and wheat instead of white bread. Individuals should exercise at least four times a week, for 30 minutes.

ā€œEveryone starts at a different pace; As long as you move your body and move it constantly, it will work,ā€ said Chumbley. ā€œAlso, do exercises that are fun for you.ā€

Personal trainers suggest mixing your workouts with cardio and weights. They also said by doing so it pumps your heart rate, and it gives your body energy even when youā€™re not working out.

Three ways to spot a fad diet is simple said Chumbley.

ā€œThey promise you a certain amount of pounds you will lose in a certain time, have you buy into a whole system and it often times say ā€˜act nowā€™.ā€

Dieticians also suggest to lose weight in a healthy way is to eat at least three times a day, keep a nutrition journal, eat whole instead of processed and junk food, and eat colorful healthy foods because they provide antioxidants needed for your immune system.

For more information on healthy eating and tips, visit www.nhlbi.nih.gov.

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