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however, this is usually due to a decrease fact, fat in kilojoule intake upon commencing a new eating plan. Many fad diets become difficult to continue and are unsustainable and fad in the long term. A recent meta-analysis comparing numerous ‘diets’, concluded that regardless of the dietary approach, they were all equally effective in achieving significant (an average of 8kg) over the first six months. They were also equally ineffective in the long term, with study participants ultimately regaining weight. Successful weight loss and eating for good health comes down to modifying eating behaviour. It is essential that any eating pattern meets nutritional needs, is practical and is suitable for individual lifestyles. The ultimate goal is to achieve and maintain a nutritionally balanced healthful eating pattern that can be sustained in the long term. Regular physical activity is also important, especially for those wanting to lose weight.

DANGERS OF FAD Not only are fad diets ineffective, they can also be dangerous. • Muscle loss Whilst fad diets successfully achieve weight loss results in the short- Gimmicky diets often result in weight term, evidence suggests that the weight loss at first, before leaving a person less lost is mostly lean muscle and water, with healthy – and heavier – down the road; little effect on body fat. learn how to spot shonky programs. Breaking down muscle leads to a loss of By Karissa Woolfe water, creating the illusion of rapid weight loss, and a reduced metabolic rate. As a result, when the is stopped, it is easier for the body to regain fat mass than it was prior to going on the diet. Older adults f the magazine covers in your waiting define fad diets as any eating plan that are particularly susceptible, as it is more room are anything to go by, Australians promotes results, such as fast weight loss, difficult for them to regain lost muscle Iare obsessed with dieting. without the scientific evidence to support mass and thus strength. Paleo, low-carb, detox, raw, , its claims. • Nutritional imbalance Rarely are fad etc. Every week there seems to be a new Common features of fad diets include: diets nutritionally balanced, putting ‘diet’ craze claiming to revolutionise the • celebrity endorsements participants at risk of not getting certain way we eat and offering the promise of • strict food rules nutrients. For example, the paleo diet (also rapid weight loss. • exclusion of an entire food group known as the caveman diet, or Statistics show that during 2011–12, • an unrestricted amount of a certain food diet) recommends avoiding calcium-rich more than 2.3 million Australians reported • a ‘magical’/ newly discovered food or dairy, and fibre-rich grains and legumes. A dieting to lose weight or for health reasons, food combination recent review of the paleo diet advocated the majority of whom were aged 51–70. • a commercial product with enthusiastic for GPs to counsel patients following the Judging by the wave of ongoing trends, testimonials and scientific jargon making Palaeolithic diet about adequate calcium it’s unlikely fad diets will disappear any it sound almost too good to be true (and intake, especially those at higher risk of time soon. where the small print says ‘in conjunction osteoporosis. Nurses in many settings are well with a healthy eating plan and ’). • Hypoglycemia People living with positioned to be asked about such diets, so managed with insulin or a it is helpful to know if there’s any substance DO THEY WORK FOR WEIGHT LOSS? sulphonylurea medication also need to be to their claims. The science of weight loss is simple: wary of fad diets. Fad diets that leave out consume fewer kilojoules than your foods containing carbohydrates may place HOW TO SPOT A FAD DIET body expends. them at higher risk of hypoglycaemia, Accredited Practising (APDs) Fad diets may appear to work initially; particularly if medication is not adjusted.

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• Eating disorders Dieting is the single cardiovascular disease and certain cancers. KEY PRACTICE POINTS most important risk factor for developing The current Australian Dietary Guidelines • An easy way to sort fact from fad an eating disorder. Yo-yo dieting affects are an evidence-based guide to healthy is to look beyond the smoke and body image and self-esteem and eating for the entire population. They mirrors of celebrity endorsements and contributes to mental health issues such as outline recommended servings from five clever marketing. depression and anxiety. core food groups: grain foods; vegetables • Swap paleo for Plato! Change your • General poor health Fad dieting can and legumes/beans; lean meats and definition of ‘diet’ from ‘restrictive eating also lead to dehydration, nausea, diarrhea, poultry, fish, eggs, , nuts and seeds and to lose weight’ to ‘the kinds of food that a lethargy, headaches, dizziness and bad legumes/beans; milk, yoghurt, cheese and person habitually eats’. breath, which are not good for anyone. alternatives; and fruit. • There is no one-size-fits-all approach What’s the opposite of a fad diet? A National Health Survey data shows with diet. A diet needs to be individualised dietary pattern. The origin of the word most Australians do not usually meet their to help the patient stick to it and maximise “diet”, comes from the Greek word diaita, recommended minimum number of serves chances of success, especially with meaning ‘a way of life’. for any of these five core food groups and weight loss and diabetes management in A review of seven basic dietary patterns nearly a third of their energy intake comes the long term. (low carb, low fat, low GI, Mediterranean, from non-core or discretionary foods • An Accredited Practising Mixed/balanced, Paleolithic and vegan) such as alcohol, cakes, muffins, scones, can provide practical, expert, individual concluded that there is no one-size- confectionery, cereal, nuts, fruits, seed dietary advice on how to lose weight and fits-all approach to healthy eating, with bars, pastries, biscuits, soft drinks and stay healthy. ■ many different ways to eat a . flavoured mineral waters. The key take-home message was to eat Supporting Australians paring back their Karissa Woolfe is an accredited practicing a diet rich in plant foods, with minimal eating to the basics, and encouraging dietitian (APD). To locate an accredited processing. This message was consistent them to edge out calorie-dense and practicing dietician in your area, go to the among each eating pattern associated nutrient poor ‘extras’ with another serve of ‘Find an APD’ section of the DAA website at with both good health and prevention of vegetables or whole grains each day, could daa.asn.au or call 1800 812 942. diet-related diseases like type 2 diabetes, be the best step to healthier eating overall.

What is PEPA? PEPA offers all health professionals the opportunity to participate in Australia’s only placements (up to five days) in palliative care services. Also offered are a range of palliative approach workshops including tailored Australian Indigenous, aged care and multicultural workshops. PEPA participants have developed stronger networks and improved links to specialist palliative care services. Funding support Do you or your staff care PEPA is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health. There is no fee for placement or for people who are at workshop attendance. Financial assistance for travel and accommodation may be provided. Reimbursement towards end-of-life? backfill is available to facilitate placement attendance. Apply for PEPA “I have become a lot more confident, my PEPA is available for health professionals across Australia. communication skills are better when talking about For more details visit: www.pepaeducation.com death and dying. I learned a lot about symptom management.” – Nurse “I feel more comfortable talking and working with patients that are terminal” – AIN

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