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Fad diets, especially high-protein eating plans, have never been more popular. But even if you
drop a few extra pounds, some of these diets can be hazardous to your long-term
health.
A study in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition analyzes eight popular weight-loss
diets. The study compared high-protein, low-carbohydrate Sugar Busters! Protein Power, The Zone
and Dr. Atkins’ New Diet Revolution to the more moderate Dr. Anderson’s High-Fiber
Fitness Plan and the American Diabetes Association/American Dietetic Association Exchange Diet.
Researchers also evaluated the Pritikin Diet and the Ornish Diet, both of which advocate very
low-fat, high-fiber vegetarian diets.
Several diets were found to be nutritionally suspect. The Protein Power and Dr. Atkins’ New
Diet Revolution plans were highest in total and saturated fat, which meant they raised
cholesterol levels and increased the risk of coronary heart disease.
“Of course, weight loss contributes to the lowering of cholesterol, but high-fat diets
such as the Atkins diet increase the risk for heart attacks and strokes by raising LDL
(low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol—the bad stuff—and increasing the tendency for
blood to form clots, which are the forerunners of most heart attacks and strokes,” says
James W. Anderson, M.D., a professor of clinical nutrition at the University of Kentucky College
of Medicine.
The Zone and Sugar Busters! also have a high protein content—nearly double the recommended
daily allowance. A high-protein content, especially from animal sources, can cause kidney
damage in people with diabetes or high blood pressure.
“The high-animal-fat, high-protein diets may be the most atherogenic diets that have been
developed for promoting arteriosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries,” says Anderson.
“These are types of diets that are fed to laboratory animals to rapidly promote
atherosclerosis.”
In addition to high levels of fat and protein, the Atkins and Protein Power diets advocate fewer
than the recommended 11 daily servings of grains, fruits and vegetables. Sugar Busters! and The
Zone call for the recommended levels, but Anderson notes, while these diets aren’t harmful,
there is no evidence to support their claims for sustained weight loss, changes in metabolism
and better health.
Although the Pritikin and Ornish diets, High-Fiber Fitness Plan and Exchange Diet specify more
than the recommended daily consumption of fruits, vegetables and grains, at least they’re
headed in the right direction.
“Overall, the best diet for general health promotion, weight loss and weight maintenance is
a high-carbohydrate, high-fiber diet that is low in fat,” says
Anderson.
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