#inform-video-player-1 .inform-embed { margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 20px; }
#inform-video-player-2 .inform-embed { margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 20px; }
CUMBERLAND — Fad diets can lead to feelings of guilt, shame and “all or nothing” thoughts of certain foods, said Allison Lutz, lead dietician at UPMC Western Maryland.
Sometimes, folks look for a fast diet so they can lose weight for an upcoming event such as a vacation.
In that circumstance, Lutz said people should consider, “Do you plan on living past the beach?”
While motivation is a key factor in weight loss, development of a healthy nutrition and exercise plan will lead to a much more sustainable outcome than an attempted quick fix, she said.
Fad diets are “a short-term solution to a long-term problem,” Lutz said and added some plans that promise fast weight loss “are dangerous.”
Additionally, when someone is unhappy with their weight and body, they can view food as their enemy, she said.
The healthy approach to weight loss includes a viewpoint that food is nourishment for the body, and involves moderation, correct portions and a meal plan, Lutz said.
But the transition to a healthy and new lifestyle can be difficult, she said.
“It’s not necessarily about willpower,” Lutz said and added long-term choices are important for overall health and fitness.
“We do medical nutrition therapy,” she said of a service provided at UPMC Western Maryland’s outpatient nutrition clinic, which is sometimes covered by health insurance.
If it’s not, “we offer financial aid if they are eligible,” Lutz said.
“We also have some free programs,” she said of classes that focus on issues including weight management, heart health and a family workshop that partners with the YMCA.
To get started, Lutz recommends folks visit their primary care physician for a referral to see a dietician.
The dietician will then assess the patient’s situation, including their motivational and energy levels, she said.
“It’s very much systematic,” Lutz said.
To learn more, call 240-964-8434, or visit the medical nutrition therapy page on UPMC Western Maryland’s website.
“At UPMC Western Maryland, you can meet with a (registered dietitian nutritionist) one-on-one to help you meet your nutrition needs based on medical conditions and lifestyle,” the website states.
Too much sodium, fat, sugar
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “fad diets may promise fast results, but such diets limit your nutritional intake, can be unhealthy, and tend to fail in the long run.”
Most people in the U.S. don’t eat a healthy diet, and consume too much sodium, saturated fat and sugar, which increases their risk of chronic diseases.
Actions required to achieve and maintain healthy weight include “healthy eating, physical activity, optimal sleep, and stress reduction,” the CDC stated.
The organization’s website includes information on ways to prevent weight gain, healthy recipes and tips for parents.
“Managing your weight contributes to good health now and as you age,” the organization’s website states. “In contrast, people who have obesity, compared to those with a healthy weight, are at increased risk for many serious diseases and health conditions.”
Across the country, heart disease is the leading cause of death for women, men, and people of most racial and ethnic groups, the website states.
“One person dies every 33 seconds in the United States from cardiovascular disease,” it states.
“About 695,000 people in the United States died from heart disease in 2021,” which means one in every five deaths, the website states.
According to the Maryland Department of Health, 2020 data shows that 66.5% of state residents over age 18 years are considered overweight or obese.
Only about half of Maryland adults engage in 150 minutes of physical activity weekly, MDH reported and added obesity “is a precursor for other chronic diseases such as prediabetes/diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and some cancers.”
Interventions that support improved food and nutrition access as well as improved physical activity “have proven to improve the health of populations,” the organization reported.
#inform-video-player-3 .inform-embed { margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 20px; }