Fash mag diet: ‘rubbish with a new twist’

THE latest fad diet to hit Australia could trigger psychological problems and rebound weight gain, according to nutrition experts.

The 4 Day Diet, devised by New York nutritionist Dr Ian Smith, promises devotees will lose 2 kg in four days by following a series of modules.

The plan advocates four-day dieting modules, followed by three days with no food restrictions. Modules include ‘protein’ where carbohydrates are limited and ‘smooth’ where forbidden foods, such as pizza, are permitted.

The diet has been promoted by Grazia magazine, and Kristy Warner, a newsreader at Sydney radio station Nova 96.9, has discussed the merits of the plan on air and posted online updates on her weight loss.

Professor Garry Egger, professor of lifestyle medicine and applied health promotion at Southern Cross University, labelled the plan a “rubbish diet with a new twist”.

“[These diets] are unsuccessful because they are unsustainable,” he said. “They cause psychological problems, particularly in women.”

Australian nutritionist Dr Rosemary Stanton (PhD) said fast weight loss was followed by fast weight regain with an overshoot, because calorie-burning lean muscle had been lost.

“The biggest issue is [these diets] delay the need to do something permanent, which is to change exercise and eating habits,” she said.

Both Professor Egger and Dr Stanton encouraged GPs to use their influence to direct patients to reliable information on diet and nutrition.

When contacted, Nova referred MO to Ms Warner, who said the diet was a personal choice that was working well for her rather than a promotion.

As MO went to press, neither Grazia nor the publishers of The 4 Day Diet had responded to queries.

Click here to read MO Medical Editor Dr Libby Harris's blog on this story.