Fad Diets
Overview: “Lose 10 pounds of fat in 1 week” with this miracle food plan, pill, exercise belt or other scheme -- you name it! If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Who doesn’t want to look good in their clothes, have lots of energy, be outstandingly attractive to others, be the most one can be? Advertisers promote these schemes for a quick dollar because they know we are susceptible to society’s pressures and that looking good is most often interpreted as being healthy.
Chronic fad diet use actually results in weight gain over time. It is one of the primary causes of eating disorders. It decreases metabolism and increases food cravings and binges. It is linked with decreased self-confidence and loss of self-esteem. It focuses on the scale and not on healthy food selections and feelings of satiety. It challenges one to use one’s ‘willpower’ and obedience to the diet plan despite one’s knawing request for life-sustaining food.
This special National Nutrition Month Tip of the Day was written by ADA National Spokesperson Cynthia Sass, MPH, MA, RD, LD for 2007’s Theme: “100% Fad Free”: “ Rely on your past experiences. Think back on the fad diets you tried and ask yourself, ‘How did I feel?’ If your answer includes words like deprived, irritable, stressed, cranky and tired, maybe you’re ready to give up fads [diets] for good”.
What Thielen Student Health Center Can Do For You: The TSHC Wellness Center stresses mindful or intuitive eating for healthy eating and weight management. You will first be referred to several websites with reliable information about fad diets reinforcing the idea that fad diets are not healthy or worthwhile in the long term. Referral to ISU’s Student Counseling Services may be suggested based on the history of following fad diets, the weight gain resulting, and the prevalence of lack of self-esteem and self-confidence. You may request an appointment with a Registered, Licensed Dietitian to discuss your use of fad diets and how to break the cycle of black and white thinking regarding food intake, weight and health. Follow-up appointments are available and encouraged to measure progress and success with healthy eating choices and moderate physical activity.
Resources
- American Heart Association
- International Food Information Center
- Web MD: Fad Diets In Women
- Quackwatch: Low Carb Diets
Last update: 22 Oct 2007
For more information, please contact:
Iowa State University
Thielen Student Health Center
515-294-5801
