A doctor has raised concerns over the growing popularity of crash diets, particularly a “seven-day” weight loss plan that is spreading on social media. Dr. Donald Grant, a GP and senior clinical advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, cautioned that while these diets may appear effective in the short term, they pose serious health risks.
Dr. Grant explained that in today’s digital age, social media often promotes various diet trends, some of which can be harmful. He emphasized that crash diets, in particular, can lead to both immediate and long-term health problems.
One such trend is a seven-day crash diet, which has been gaining attention online. According to Dr. Grant, this plan involves a rigid seven-day meal schedule, where specific foods are restricted, leading to severe calorie deficits and rapid weight loss.
While Dr. Grant acknowledged that the diet could cause quick weight loss due to these calorie restrictions, he warned that it could also result in nutrient deficiencies. He pointed out that the exclusion of dairy, for example, could lead to inadequate calcium intake, potentially causing long-term health issues.
Dr. Grant stressed that although the diet may offer short-term results, its restrictive nature can be harmful. He noted that such diets often lack balance, which increases the risk of deficiencies. “The extremely low calorie intake may help with weight loss, but the health risks associated with it are not worth the temporary benefits,” he said.
The doctor also explained that maintaining such a diet over time could lead to muscle loss, fatigue, and further nutrient deficiencies. This is particularly dangerous for individuals with specific health conditions, such as diabetes or pregnancy. Dr. Grant advised that people should focus on a balanced diet combined with regular exercise to achieve sustainable and healthy weight loss.
He also mentioned that many people are seeking out other popular but potentially harmful diets, such as the carnivore and keto diets, which ranked as the top two most Googled diets in the UK.
In conclusion, Dr. Grant criticized crash diets for their restrictive nature and the potential harm they cause. “Our bodies require a balanced intake of key nutrients to function properly,” he said. “Crash diets often limit these vital foods, leading to fatigue, weakened immune systems, and dehydration, as the body sheds water weight initially, not fat.”
Dr. Grant explained that when calorie intake is reduced too drastically, the body compensates by slowing down its metabolism, making it harder to manage weight over time. This often results in weight regain once the crash diet is stopped, reinforcing the importance of adopting a healthier, more sustainable approach to dieting.
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