The diet everyone follows is dangerous: Dietitian warns

Social media influencers who sell products promising weight loss continue to put users' health at risk. Experts warn against weight loss teas and coffees advertised on social media.

According to Yeniçağ, coffees, teas, soups, and crash diets sold with the promise of "fast weight loss" are becoming increasingly problematic and pose serious health risks. Popular diets, often promising quick weight loss, can lead to serious nutritional mistakes without expert guidance.

Dietitian Ece Eyyüpoğlu stated that coffee or tea alone won't cause weight loss and issued warnings about crash diets. Eyyüpoğlu noted that promises of losing 5 kilos in 3 days have no scientific basis and are purely commercial, and that diets are personalized.

It can cause permanent health problems.

Eyyupoğlu emphasized that safe weight loss should be compatible with lifestyle, noting that otherwise, it slows down the metabolism and can cause permanent health problems. Eyyupoğlu said, "These commercial products, especially those sold under the guise of weight loss teas, consumed excessively and unconsciously, can cause many serious, permanent health problems, including heart attack and liver and kidney failure. Health shouldn't be put on the back burner for the sake of rapid weight loss."

Eyyupoğlu also provided information about intermittent fasting, a popular diet in recent years. He said, "The most commonly used method of intermittent fasting is the 16:8 method. In this method, you fast for 16 hours and eat within an 8-hour period. I can't say that intermittent fasting is definitely harmful. Some studies have shown beneficial effects on metabolic health. However, I can clearly say that I don't recommend doing it for extended periods. Furthermore, it's not suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding women, children, adolescents, or individuals with chronic illnesses. Dietary models like water fasting or single meals can lead to essential vitamin and mineral deficiencies, muscle loss, a slowed metabolism, fatigue, and dizziness."

HOW MUCH WEIGHT CAN BE LOST IN 1 WEEK?

He explained that it's impossible to get all the nutrients the body needs in a single meal. Eyyüpoğlu added that unconscious rapid weight loss methods lead to muscle and water loss. He explained that rapid weight loss in a short period of time can lead to numerous problems, such as nutrient deficiencies, muscle loss, and eating disorders. He also stated that a healthy weight loss target is between 0.5 and 1 kilogram per week.

Speaking about gluten, Eyyupoğlu said:

Gluten is a protein group found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. If you have celiac disease or gluten intolerance, you should follow a gluten-free diet. However, healthy individuals do not need to follow a gluten-free diet. Because, according to research, a gluten-free diet for people without celiac disease can lead to a decrease in intestinal enzymes, an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, and nutritional deficiencies.

WHOLE GRAIN PRODUCTS ARE RICH IN EVERY DIRECTION

Eyyupoğlu, noting that whole grain products are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, said, "Unnecessarily following a gluten-free diet reduces fiber intake and can negatively impact gut health. Studies have also shown that when healthy individuals follow a gluten-free diet, the beneficial bacteria in the gut microbiota decrease. Eliminating gluten without expert advice can lead to unnecessary and unbalanced nutrition. Furthermore, considering the cost of gluten-free products, a gluten-free diet is no longer a sensible option for healthy individuals."