Are Fad Diets For You

Most people suffering from weight problems sooner or later
are attracted to fad diets. The promise of quick weight loss
promised by these programs is directed at the emotions of
these people. They point out how a shapely physique will
gain the admiration of family and friends.


What do most fad diets promise? Loss of Weight in an
extremely short time, build up of self esteem, health
problems caused by excess weight and how you can feel
better by shedding the pounds and the impression that
your spouse and children will love you more. Fad diets
may give fast results but normally they aren't lasting
results. The fats remain and once the fad diet is given
up the body starts to renew its water storage and the
body quickly regains the weight that was lost.. Even
worse most of these fad diets can be really harmful to
your health.


Although you may think that fad diets are relatively
new they actually date back to the mid 19th century.
Such diets were prescribed to obese Londoners on an
experimental basis. Today there are more and more fad
diets being created and they are very popular with Teens,
young adults, and anyone else feeling they have a weight
problem.


Most fad diets stress the intake of carbohydrates should
be limited or completely eliminated from ones diet while
the intake of either fats or proteins should be increased.
The weight loss is achieved by the lack of carbohydrates.
In fact the rapid loss is due to the loss of water that
glycogen has stored. As glycogen levels diminish large
amounts of water stored in it are also lost causing the
impression of weight loss. The fats remain and once the
fad diet is given up the body starts to renew its water
storage and the body quickly regains the weight that was
lost.


Under normal conditions carbohydrates remain the source
of energy for work. When the carbohydrates are removed
as required by most fad diets the body starts to use the
bodies’ stored fat, breaking it down. Although this may
seem beneficial it really isn't. Fats cannot be completely
oxidized and put to work with a shortage of carbohydrates.
Under these circumstances the body begins to feel weak and
tired. Also, due to the fat breakdown ketone molecules
accumulate in the blood; these are then ejected from the
body in the urine which can lead to dehydration.


There are certain warning signs one should be aware of
since the effects of fad diets on the health can be
degrading. Beware and watch out for diets that:

1) Show before and after pictures
2) Offer weight loss testimonials
3) Limit or delete natural food choices
4) Require large sums of money
5) Offer quick weight loss


Fad diets are popular, they promise immediate results but
they can cause damage to your body. So pay attention to the
this warning:

Before beginning any weight loss or exercise program consult your doctor

He can tell you if its safe. Do this and it might just save
you a lot of grief later on.