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We’ve all seen the ads for the dietary supplements and weight-loss programs that promise to melt away fat and give you the “body of your dreams.” It’s easy to be seduced by these products and give in to the temptation to try them. In reality, these methods are often unhealthy and only contribute to the cruel twist of dieting.
1. BUYER BEWARE
Did you know that dietary supplements are not FDA-approved? The companies making these products are responsible for their safety but rarely carry out clinical trials. FDA reports that it “has received numerous reports of harm associated with the use of weight loss products, including increased blood pressure, heart palpitations (a pounding or racing heart), stroke, seizure, and death.”
What about natural dietary supplements like bee pollen? The word “natural” does not automatically mean safe. Mayo Clinic provides an example: “Ephedra (ma-huang) is an herb once used for weight loss. The FDA now bans it because it was associated with adverse effects, such as mood changes, high blood pressure, irregular heart rate, stroke, seizures, and heart attacks.” Some supplements have even been found to contain hidden active ingredients, such as prescription drugs.
2. NOT SO FAST
Fasting may seem like an easy way to lose weight quickly. When you suddenly deprive yourself of calories, however, your body will likely go into starvation mode. Healthline explains, “‘When your body goes into starvation mode, your metabolism will slow down to help you conserve energy, and your body will hang on to more fat.’” When regular eating resumes and the appetite hormones are no longer suppressed, hunger will increase, but metabolism will remain slow forever, resulting in fast weight gain.
Fasting also causes an increase in the production of cortisol. High amounts of this stress hormone can make you feel physically or mentally stressed and damage your muscles. As described in an article published by Fitday, the brain and red blood cells need sugar to survive. When you are not ingesting enough food, cortisol will release amino acids from your muscles to convert into sugar. In other words, cortisol is compensating for lack of food by breaking down your muscle tissue. Since you need muscle to burn excess fat, this process can significantly stunt weight loss progress.
3. BIG BAD FAD
Despite many success stories from those who have tried trending diets (e.g., paleo, keto) and popular paid weight-loss programs, these tales are often misleading. A recent study conducted by BMJ found that although diet programs led to moderate weight loss and improved cardiovascular health initially, “At 12 months the effects on weight reduction and improvements in cardiovascular risk factors largely disappear.”
Fad diets may also play a role in yo-yo dieting—the pattern of losing and regaining weight can increase the risk of obesity. Even if you lose pounds quickly like the weight-loss program promises, the diet itself will likely be challenging to sustain. For example, studies have revealed that some individuals with initial success with commercial diets gained at least half the weight back within just two years. Without the tools and information to keep the weight off, odds are you will be seeking a new diet to try shortly after that.
It’s time to stop the vicious cycle of small weight loss victories followed by disheartening weight gain. Bariatric surgery is a safe, effective long-term weight-loss solution that has helped thousands of people lead happier, healthier lives. Many studies have shown that patients maintain 50% to 70% loss of excess weight 10+ years after bariatric surgery. Say no to dietary supplements, fasting, and unreliable diet programs. Schedule a consultation with NYBG today.
START YOUR JOURNEY
When it’s time to start a successful weight-loss journey, it’s time to call NYBG! We’re the best practice around, and our numbers prove it:
- 20 skilled surgeons who are leaders in bariatrics, 1 Plastic Surgeon, and 13 PA’s
- 18,000 successful procedures performed with more every day
- The #1 gastric balloon practice by volume – most balloons placed in the United States
- Access to online seminars, support groups, cooking demos, and Q&A sessions
- 100s of videos for patients explaining procedures, answering common questions, and showcasing previous patients
- Multiple offices located in three states; NY, NJ, CT
- Since 2000, we boast over 20 years of success!
Our commitment to patient success and excellence has earned us accreditation from the Metabolic Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP). This prestigious achievement recognizes only the top bariatric practices. Stop waiting; start achieving better health today. Together, we’ve got this!
New York Bariatric Group is implementing and enforcing strict guidelines by the Center for Disease Control and the Department of Health to keep our staff and patients safe.
We offer in-person and virtual consultations to ensure that everyone can get the information and care they deserve without feeling pressure to leave their home.
Sources
https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/beware-products-promising-miracle-weight-loss
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/in-depth/weight-loss/art-20046409
https://www.bmj.com/content/369/bmj.m696
https://www.health.com/weight-loss/yo-yo-dieting-can-harm-heart
