Beware, the quick fix is not always the long-term solution to weight gain. There is nothing fast about healthy weight loss and nutritionists say many of the fad diets being promoted through the radio, television and advertisements are not the answer. Radford University professor and registered dietician Susan Clark says the cornerstone to a healthy diet is variety, moderation and balance. Many of the weight loss plans based on appetite suppressing drugs, fat blocking drugs and food restrictions do not incorporate this formula and may include unpleasant side effects. Nutritionists from the American Dietetic Association published a list of ten red flags that signal bad nutrition advice.
Health risks related to fad diets take many different forms.
Clark says the new fat absorption pills block fat from being absorbed in the body by inactivating certain intestinal enzymes needed to absorb fat from foods. If someone consumes a lot of fat while taking this pill, the undigested fat molecules move into the gastrointestinal tract and pull water in, which causes the users to experience bloating, gas, cramps and diarrhea. Clark does not recommend diets such as the high protein - low carbohydrate diet. She says it can sometimes be a good jumpstart to weight loss but such diets are never a long-term solution. This diet is based on a combination of foods high in protein and call for giving up everything from bread to bananas.