National nutritionists and dieting experts have joined forces to stand together in support of a list of the five diets that Australians should avoid this year. Originally produced by the British Dietetic Association, the selection is indisputably relevant to a nation trying to shed holiday-season kilograms and implement new-year resolutions.
As far as research data is concerned, "the majority of Australians, 66 per cent, are now overweight". The figures from the National Health Reporting Authority represent an increase of 22 per cent from the data recorded at the beginning of the new century.
The BDA's list includes a urine therapy diet, the widely discussed paleo eating program (a person removes dairy, grains and legumes from their diet), an anti-sugar diet that includes fruit, the 'vegan before 6pm' diet, and a nutrition plan that involves the daily consumption of a spoonful of clay.
The media managed to speak with experts, such as longtime nutritionist Rosemary Stanton, who recommended that any diet that stops people from eating whole food groups is best avoided. The same also applies if a major overhaul of your diet is required. Dr Stanton acknowledged that "extreme diets" are popular, but reinforced her statements with evidence, stating that "cutting out grains lifts your risk of bowel cancer".
Meanwhile, Nutrition Australia's senior nutritionist, Aloysha Hourigan, said:
"The advice that works for dieting isn't very sexy and hasn't really changed for decades so it's easily drowned out when a new diet based on a bit of science and a celebrity ambassador is launched".
Monash University Emeritus Professor and director at the Asia Pacific Health and Nutrition Centre, Mark Wahlqvist, warned against thoughtlessly following the examples of celebrities, as their successes "doesn't mean it [diet] will [work] for you". According to the Monash University professor, even losing weight for short periods of time "does good things for your health". The experts commended two particular diets for their capacity to lead to balanced eating habits: the 5:2 diet and the Mediterranean diet.