Why diets don't work
Dr. Wendy Cunningham | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 11 years, 4 months AGO
Dieting is big business. Over the air and through massive magazine ad campaigns come promises of quick, safe and guaranteed weight loss - for a fee. Although most diet programs don't keep accurate information on their results, informal surveys have revealed that very few dieters will have maintained their weight loss at the end of one year. The people who benefit most from these diets are those who sell them.
There are several reasons why such dieting doesn't work. First, the diets are usually boring and unnatural, especially if they involve special diet foods or eating schedules rather than a permanent, healthy change in eating habits. Most people go back to their old eating habits once they "finish" the fad diet.
Second, dieting without exercise often lowers the body's metabolism. The body shifts into starvation mode and cuts back its calorie needs in order to survive. The starvation mode can last for months after the diet is ended, causing weight gain on fewer calories than before.
Third, weight gain after dieting can increase the percentage of fat in the body. Quick weight loss removes both fat and muscle tissue from the body. When the weight is regained, as it usually is, it comes back in the form of fat. Every subsequent diet then takes away muscle and fat and returns only fat. This pattern of frequent dieting and weight gain, called "yo-yo dieting," puts a strain on the heart, as well as on the dieter's morale and motivation.
Studies show that choosing healthy eating habits, starting and maintaining an exercise program, and losing weight gradually are the most effective ways of reducing your weight permanently.
Before you diet, consult your doctor or nutritionist to help you come up with a weight-loss program that really works, particularly if you're over 40 or suffer from a chronic physical condition. Once you commit to these basic principles, you can forget fad diets and start enjoying the benefits of healthy - and permanent - weight loss.
Dr. Wendy has her Master's Degree in Nutrition. For questions, email her at haydenhealth@gmail.com.
ARTICLES BY DR. WENDY CUNNINGHAM
Massage cupping: An ancient technique with powerful results
The modern world of healing has embraced another wonderful ancient technique that has powerful results. Massage cupping bodywork is being used for many purposes, including helping with pain, inflammation, blood flow, relaxation and well-being, and as a type of deep-tissue massage.
The realities of leg cramps
Most of us have experienced it at some point; that crazy charley horse that wakes you out of a dead sleep with excruciating pain in your leg or foot. According to the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, about one in every three adults is affected by muscle cramps in their lower limbs. In many cases, the pain is temporary and goes away on its own, but for some the cramps interfere with sleep, quality of life and daily activities.
Acupuncture in the ER
Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis is reporting success using acupuncture in its emergency room to treat conditions ranging from car accident injuries to migraines to kidney stones, and hoping to prove that the traditional Chinese treatment can reduce reliance on addictive opioid drugs to manage pain.