National Nutrition Council says fad diets not recommended for weight loss

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Monday, 26 November 2018 - 11:20:06 AM

Batangas City Nutrition Officer Luciana Manalo said that the National Nutrition Council (NNC) has a policy statement on fad diets which was one of the items discussed during the first Calabarzon Nutrition Action Officers’ General Assembly cum Advocacy Forum on National Salt Iodization Program (NSIP), November 19-20, at the Manila Grand Opera Hotel.

According to the NNC, fad diets are “any dietary regimen or practice promoted for weight loss and improvement of health that does not form part of standard dietetic-led weight management advice.”

The different classifications of food diets are Calorie Restriction (Very Low Energy Diet (VLED), Military Diet,Blood type/Cohen, HCG Diet), Low Carbohydrate, High Protein (Atkin’s Diet, Paleo Diet), Moderate Carbohydrate, High Protein (Zone Diet, South Beach Diet), Low Carbohydrate, High Fat (Ketogenic Diet), Avoidance to certain food groups (Gluten Free, Macrobiotic Diet) Fasting (Intermittent Fasting, Water Fasting) and Detox (Juice Fast, Master Cleanse).

Although fad diets promise a rapid and substantial weight loss, something like one kilogram per week, the dramatic claims are not supported by scientific evidence but are just based on anecdotal accounts or testimonials , although some studies back up claims according to the NNC. This practice does not also include a balanced nutrition, improvement in health and exercise which the body needs . Further, this kind of weight loss does not give health warning to those with pre-existing medical conditions, thereby posing risk to the health of an individual.

Another negative effect of fad diets is that it does not result in “long-term behaviour modification” considering that proper weight reduction involves a lot of discipline, determination and commitment and lifestyle change. The policy statement of the NNC on fad diets is: “Food diets are not recommended for weight loss as it may pose potential health risk and dangers. Instead, the NNC recommends the adherence to a holistic, sustainable, adequate and nutritionally- balanced diet, complemented by an active lifestyle and lifelong behavioural modifications.”

“It is also the position of the NNC that individual efforts to address overweight and obesity must be complemented with population-based interventions , particulary on the promotion of of healthier food environments, food systems and public awareness through behavior-change communications tp prevent further increase in overweight and obesity prevalence in the country.”

Meanwhile, Manalo said that their office will conduct testing of salt sold in the public markets in Batangas City to determine their iodine content using the WYD Checker. This is in line with the NNC’s advocacy on National Salt Iodization Program. (PIO Batangas City)

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