Diet fads are not a new thing, with new ones coming out every few months. Find out the risk and benefits of diets and why they may not work for you.
A balanced meal will provide you with many nutrients and keep you healthy. However, diets are different. People often go on diets to lose a lot of weight quickly, appeasing instant gratification. While some work, some don’t, but let us tell you what diets don’t work and why.
Dukan Diet
The Dukan diet states that restricting carbs helps your body to burn fat. There are four phases. The first few stages of the diet may give you sudden weight loss due to fewer carbs. However, going back to eating normally will probably make you gain the weight back. There is not much evidence or research on its long-term effects or if it can maintain weight loss.
Dukan diet is nutritionally inadequate. It clashes with certain health conditions such as kidney, digestive, heart diseases, and diabetes. The medications for these conditions may require alteration. If you’re aged or looking to lose a lot of weight fast, this is not the diet for you.
Ketogenic Diet
The keto diet, though very popular, was ranked very poorly by nutrition experts for heart health. It consists of low carb and fiber content with high saturated fat. It is challenging to stick to when eating out with friends or family, and most people can’t follow.
The body breaks down stored fat due to a lack of carbs and uses energy this way. You will feel fewer cravings due to high protein foods. You may lose water weight due to low carbs in the diet. There may be weight loss in the short term, but there is no long-term evidence for it.
Keto can cause nutrition deficiency and high cholesterol and pose risks for people with kidney disease or diabetes. Most Keto diet results can be attributed to less hunger, calorie deficit, and water weight loss than low carbs and high protein.
GAPS Diet
Gut and Psychology Syndrome (GAPS) diet is based on the theory that digestive health is related to mental health. It claims to cure different stomach illnesses and mental health issues. None of this is backed by scientific evidence. It has three phases that go on for about two years.
It is a diet that cuts off inflammatory foods that cause irritation or allergies, such as grains, dairy, starch, etc. The diet introduces you to foods slowly and then gradually builds up depending on your stomach symptoms. Various supplements are also recommended with the diet to promote gut health.
The most significant risk of the Gap diet is malnutrition, as it cuts off many food groups for long periods. There is no research-based evidence proving its effects on mental health, and it is criticized by many.
Bottom Line
Now that you know the reasons why diets don’t work, you understand they are restrictive and not sustainable for the long term. They even cut out essential food groups and lead to nutrition loss. There is no research or evidence to prove that they work for everyone. The benefits outweigh the risks; however, always consult your healthcare provider before starting any of these diets.
