Popular Fad Diets.pdf

Dietitians are often asked about popular or fad diets, with the British Dietetic Association and NHS Choices providing lists of current diets, including the Paleolithic, Bulletproof, Super Elixir, No Sugar, 5:2, Dukan, and South Beach diets. This article examines the Paleo, Dukan, and No Sugar diets.

The Paleo diet, based on the supposed eating habits of hunter-gatherer ancestors, excludes cereal grains, dairy products, refined sugar, legumes, potatoes, processed foods, alcohol, and salt. Advocates claim it can achieve weight loss, improve lipid profiles, and reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. However, it has been shown to be expensive, unbalanced, and potentially socially isolating, with concerns about calcium intake and bone health.

The Dukan diet is a low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet with four phases, claiming to achieve weight loss of up to 2lb per week and promote long-term weight management. However, it has been associated with side effects such as bad breath, dry mouth, tiredness, and constipation, and concerns have been raised about its potential impact on kidney disease and cardiovascular risk.

The No Sugar diet involves excluding all types of sugar, but the BDA warns that cutting out all sugar is almost impossible and would lead to a less than healthy diet, eliminating foods like vegetables, fruit, dairy products, and nuts. While reducing free sugars is a positive aspect, some versions of the diet may be overly restrictive. Overall, these diets have varying levels of evidence and potential risks, making it essential for patients to consult with accredited dietitians for individualized advice.