Health professionals want to put an end to fad diets

There are countless numbers of books claiming they have the secret to weight loss, but for many who have tried fad diets, they realize the books do not live up to their promises. UNC Wilmington student Leah Anderson, says "I have tried all these different fad diets and none of them ever worked and if you did loose weight it was water weight and it always came back shortly afterwards." Kathryn Bramble has also tried many fad diets. She says, "I've been on a diet most my life. I've tried everything. Every time something new comes out, I try it. It took me years and years to figure out I had to eat right and get lots of exercise." To teach the public about living a healthy lifestyle, a panel of nutrition experts gathered at the Downtown Wilmington Library Wednesday. Health Educator Leah Yetter said, "We are promoting 100% fad free, which is the theme for National Nutrition Month, meaning no fad dieting.” It may not be the most exciting plan, but experts say common sense may be the best recipe for success: People need to eat right, watch their portions, and exercise regularly. Yetter said, "We've all heard of the Atkins diet and the Cabbage Soup diet, often time those diets restrict certain nutrients that are very important for everyday living." Many people have felt the effects of loosing important nutrients in their diet. Anderson says "most of the fad diets don't make you feel good and they're not good for your body they give you head aches and they never work." Leah feels the health information will change her life, by making her realize that fad diets are not the way to go and that she needs a healthy lifestyle change. Health professionals say that before you begin any weight loss program you should consult your physician.