With a surge in awareness about the impact of food on our well-being, people are turning to diets not just to look good, but also to feel good. In the ever-evolving landscape of nutritional science, fad diets such as Intermittent Fasting, the Keto (Ketogenic) diet, and the GM diet, among others, have garnered noteworthy attention for their promises of rapid weight loss and health improvements.
The true effectiveness of these diets, along with their advantages and disadvantages, warrants a comprehensive examination. Dietary needs are greatly individualised and influenced by a myriad of factors including age, weight, height, and overall health condition. A diet plan that works wonders for one person might not be as effective, or even advisable, for another.
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Effectiveness of popular diets
Fad diets often promise rapid weight loss or health improvements within a short period and they usually involve strict rules, limiting certain foods or food groups, such as carbohydrates or fats.
Chowdhury Tasneem Hasin, Chief Clinical Dietician and Head of the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition at the United Hospital highlights the considerations individuals should make when adopting fad diets.
While these diets can serve as a stepping stone towards a healthier lifestyle, they should be approached with caution. A more balanced and sustainable approach to nutrition involves understanding the unique needs of one’s body and embracing dietary choices that align with long-term well-being.
That said, whether it’s the ketogenic diet championing high-fat, low-carb consumption, or the intermittent fasting trend promoting scheduled eating windows, each diet claims its own unique set of advantages and disadvantages.
Intermittent fasting: Timing your eating window
Presently, intermittent fasting has emerged as a popular dietary strategy. The primary idea of intermittent fasting is to cycle between periods of eating and fasting, allowing the body to experience a variety of metabolic changes. In the 16/8 method, you fast for 16 hours each day and restrict eating to an 8-hour window e.g., if you finish…