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Janel Ray
Ms. Douglas
ENG 112-78
1 December 2016
Persuasive Essay: Avoid Fad Dieting
In ten days, you can lose ten pounds while developing a diet that will
lower your risk for heart disease? Have you ever read one of those
advertisements somewhere? For the majority of overweight individuals,
claims such as this seem like a great option to develop a healthy diet and
lose weight. However, to achieve this statements claim, restrictive diet plans
inducing rapid weight-loss are created, known as fad diets. Though dieting
companies promises are enticing, do you wonder if they too good to be true
or if they should be trusted by the public. With the intensity of fad diet
programs many participants develop serious illnesses because of the bodys
low intake of nutrients. Some individuals also regain some or all weight loss
after completing a diet plan. Based on the research that supports the
previous issues, it is proven the food pyramid provides a healthier diet for
weight-loss and fad diet plans should not be used.
Most formulators create fad diets that fall into the following categories,
high protein/low carbohydrate diets, very-low calorie diets, food combining
diets, and low glycemic index diets. For an individual to have rapid weight

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loss in these categories there will sadly be a significant drop in their energy
levels and nutrients. In Myth or Miracle? Fad Diets Exposed it states Daily
intake on these diets is not higher than 1,500 calories (Heinegg). With the
lower amount of calories, a person is not able to receive the necessary
nutrients for a healthy diet or daily body function resulting in illness. The fad
diet category low protein/ high carbohydrate, works by inducing ketosis, a
process where the body converts fat to energy. Ketosis puts the body in
starvation mode, using its stored energy for daily activity. According to Diet
and Weight Management, Ketosis causes a number of unpleasant side
effects, including nausea, weakness and bad breath and in diabetes can
induce coma and death (Kirk). Another example of fad dieting leading to
illness would be in the category of very-low caloric diets. After growing
popularity in these diets Diet and Weight Management states, following a
number of sudden deaths attributed to cardiac arrhythmias their use was
reviewed and their composition altered (Kirk). Diets such as very-low
calorie and high protein/ low carbohydrate that can bring such grave illness
prove fad dieting should not be considered worth rapid weight loss.
Though many who complete these diets experience the weight-loss
they had been hoping for, many believe it was not worth it. This could not be
a more true statement than from contestants on The Biggest Loser. The fad
diets contestants are put on during the show are not maintainable once the
show is over. Erin Egbert, a contestant on the show says since completing a
fad diet she can no longer control her cravings she says, What people dont

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understand is that a treat is like a drug. Two treats can turn into a binge over
a three-day period. That is what I struggle with (Kolata). Sadly, there are
many fad dieting stories like Erins. After dieters put in much hard work to
lose weight, many say once a fad diet is complete they are in a losing battle
to keep it off.
The information I have presented proves there is no quick way to lose
weight. Long-term fad dieting can only lead to sickness and returned weight
gain. Though it may take longer, eating a balanced diet based on the food
pyramid it the best way to achieve maintainable weight loss and prevent
illness. The food pyramid allows no restrictions on foods which reduces
severe cravings and provides the recommended portioning for each food
group. Groups included in the pyramid are fats, oils, and sweets, dairy,
meats, fruits, vegetables, and grains. Countless medical professionals and
health professors would also agree with this is a great way to lose weight.
The Facts on Five Dieting Myths states, making healthy food choices,
eating moderate portions, and building physical activity into your daily life is
the best way to lose weight and keep it off. By adopting healthy eating and
physical activity habits, you may also lower your risk for developing type 2
diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.
In all, as individuals continue to express the disadvantages of weightloss, consumers will not be as enticed by its confident claims. Also, as new

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research against fad diets is brought to the forefront, consumers will be

alarmed and stay away from fad diets.