Assignment task: Nutrition surveys demonstrate that more than half of American adults are concerned about their weight and are actively trying to lose unwanted pounds. Many turn to popular "diet" books and commercial diet programs for guidance and support. Evaluating the safety and effectiveness of these books or programs can be a challenge for both consumers and health professionals. However, by examining the claims, components, and credibility of these popular approaches, you can help determine whether a book or program is a sound and safe approach to healthy weight loss and maintenance. Using articles and reviews written by registered dietitians at the website for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, address the following questions to explore considerations for evaluating popular weight loss diets or programs.
Visit the website for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics for resources and articles on weight loss and popular "fad" diets at Fad Diets. Scroll through the features to locate a "diet" or program you would like to learn more about. Read the article or review, taking note of the plan or program's claims and nutritional aspects and other components of the plan that influence compliance, weight loss and maintenance, and overall safety and efficacy of the plan or program.
1) Select on plan or program to review
2) Briefly describe the plan or program's claims. After reading the review, do you believe the claims are realistic, grounded in science, and achievable? Explain, use credible sources to support your statements.
3) After reading about the diet plan, how does it differ from other diet plans? What makes it unique or potentially appealing to dieters?
4) Does the review or article consider the plan or program's nutritional pros and cons? Are there any specific types or groups of foods that are restricted? What are the primary nutritional concerns about the plan or program, if any?
5) Is the plan or program is conducive to long-term weight management? Why or why not? Sources?