If you read the top 5 worst diets, you probably thought that numbers 2-5 were unrealistic and more than a little crazy.

However, the top worst diet of 2012 is probably one that you, or someone you know, have tried. It is almost certainly one that you have heard of:

The Dukan Diet

This diet has been around for years in Europe, especially France, but has been made more popular by Prince William’s wife, Katherine’s mother and America’s own Jennifer Lopez. Selling more than 10 million copies all over the world, in 14 different languages across 32 countries, the Dukan Diet was published in America in 2012.

The diet contains around 100 foods that are allowed and consists of a cycle in four phases: attack, cruise, consolidation and stabilization.  During the attack phase only protein can be eaten, with vegetables being introduced in the cruise phase and other food groups being gradually added during consolidation. Apparently a protein only day once a week and eating oat bran every day will enable a dieter to eat what they want for the rest of their life.

The diet is not dissimilar to the Atkins diet, which also eliminates carbohydrates from the diet. There are mixed reviews for the Dukan Diet, with some saying it worked for them and others saying it is unrealistic and unsustainable.

In 2011 a French court ruled in favour of a nutritionist who branded the diet as dangerous. However, it still remains France’s number one diet.

The BDA

The BDA are pretty adamant about the Dukan Diet being a crazy diet, saying that it is hard to follow, very difficult to sustain, and confusing. They also say that cutting out whole food groups is inadvisable, as we all need a balanced diet of vitamins, minerals, protein, carbohydrate and fiber in order to stay healthy.

The fact that the diet comes with side effects like bad breath, constipation and lack of energy is, say the BDA, further proof that this diet cannot be good for you.

The Best Diet

As tempting as fad diets are, the truth is that you are not going to reach your target weight in a week, unless you only have a couple of pounds to lose. The key to losing weight without compromising your health and with lower chances of putting it all back on again is slow and permanent.

Make sure your diet is nutritionally balanced, with the right portion sizes and you will be successful. However, for many people who are very overweight or obese, we know it is not that easy.

Many people have tried all of the diets; the sensible ones and the not so sensible ones, some have lost weight only to put it back on again, a few have lost the weight and kept it off. But many overweight or obese people simply cannot shift the weight. This is why people turn to bariatric surgery. It is not a quick fix but it is a definite helping hand on the road to weight loss.

Bariatric surgery will help you to change your lifestyle and eating habits for the better, for good. For more information about how bariatric surgery can help you to lose weight and get you away from faddy diets and yo-yoing weight, contact us today.

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