Can weight-loss regimes harm me?
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Dr. Dean Ornish answered:“Evidence suggests that weight-loss regimes do more harm than good,” said the panel of weight-loss experts convened by the National Institutes of Health Nutrition Coordinating Committee. “There is a strong tendency to regain weight, with as much as two-thirds of the weight lost regained within one year of completing the program and almost all by five years.” Only 3 percent of those who take off weight keep it off for at least five years. Worse, the “yo-yo” pattern of going on a diet, losing some weight, and then gaining it back may be more harmful to your health than not going on a diet in the first place.
This pattern is familiar to just about anyone who has gone on a diet. And each time you go on another diet of deprivation, the weight becomes more difficult to lose, so you may become even more discouraged. This discouragement often leads to eating even more, causing more depression and overeating in a vicious cycle. You may blame yourself for being “destined to be fat” or for having “insufficient willpower,” when what is really needed is clear, scientifically based information to help you make more successful choices.
Find out more about this book: Eat More, Weigh Less: Dr. Dean Ornish's Life Choice Program for Losing Weig...Helpful? 1 person found this helpful
“Evidence suggests that weight-loss regimes do more harm than good,” said the panel of weight-loss experts convened by the National Institutes of Health Nutrition Coordinating Committee. “There is a strong tendency to regain... More -
Nancy Teeter answered:The word regime has many meanings including routine, treatment and method, thus a “regime” is not inherently harmful, but there are many regimes that are in fact very harmful to one’s health if followed long term. To judge the potential risks of the “regime” consider these questions. 1) Are entire nutrient groups eliminated or severely restricted (e.g. fats, protein, carbohydrate)? 2) Does the regime suggest that eating large quantities of one single food will result in quick weight loss? 3) Does the plan suggest that you will lose more than two to three pounds in one week? 4) Does the regime require you to take supplements other than a multi-vitamin? There are additional warning signs, but if the answer to any of these question s is “yes,” then walk away and look for a sensible plan you can live with for life. One successful approach is mindful eating. This approach is all about enjoying reasonable portions of real food.
The word regime has many meanings including routine, treatment and method, thus a “regime” is not inherently harmful, but there are many regimes that are in fact very harmful to one’s health if followed long term. To judge the... More -
Judy Caplan of Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics answered:Depends on the weight loss regime. However if you follow a sensible program, no harm will come. Find a registered dietitian in your area who can tailor a diet to meet your needs. Visit www.eatright.org. Even wacky weight loss regimes generally will not harm you because they are so restrictive it is unlikely you can stay on them for long periods of time. Beware of unrealistic claims like lose 10 pounds in a week or take this pill and eat whatever you want!Depends on the weight loss regime. However if you follow a sensible program, no harm will come. Find a registered dietitian in your area who can tailor a diet to meet your needs. Visit www.eatright.org. Even wacky weight loss regimes generally will... More
