Introduction

 

Over 33% of the adult US population is obese, and an additional 34% are considered overweight. Patients are often trying to lose weight, and it is estimated that Americans spend $33 billion dollars per year on products for weight-loss. Patients may fall prey to the newest fad diets, which often promise dramatic weight loss despite being largely untested.

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It is important that patients know the truth about dieting, and that we are able to guide their choices.

Why do diets fail?

Sustainable weight loss is often the result of a lifestyle change and not a "diet" with a start and end date connected to it. A recent Consumer Report rated popular diet books and plans and provided common sense tips for sustainable weight loss: http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/food/diet-nutrition/diets/diets-6-07/overview/0607_diets_ov.htm. Teens who are tempted to lose weight by adopting one of the fad diets should read the information at this web site: http://www.youngwomenshealth.org/fad_diets.html.

Most popular diets fall into one of two categories: Low Carb/High Protein or High Carb/Low Fat diets.

Low Carb/High Protein High Carb/Low Fat

- Emphasize protein intake

- Restrict calories

- Tend to be higher in fat

 

Examples:

Atkins

Protein Power

The Zone

- Emphasize carbohydrate intake

- Tend to be higher in fiber and lower in fat

 

 

Examples:

The Pritikin Diet

Volumetrics

DASH

 There are many fad diets. However, this learning module will focus on several of the more popular diets, which are listed here: