The Singapore Family Physician

Back to issue Vol 34 No. 4 - Nutrition Updates

Fad diets, fats & weight management

Geoffrey Gui
The Singapore Family Physician Vol 34 No 4 - Nutrition Updates
14 - 19
1 November 2008
0377-5305
People have always been obsessed with dieting. They willingly try the latest fad diets that defy logic, basic biochemistry, and even appetite appeal. Fad diets are popular because they promise quick results, are relatively easy to implement, and claim remarkable improvements in how their followers will look or feel. Unfortunately, the one thing most fad diets have in common is that they seldom promote sound weight loss. This unit looks at the common features of fad diets and the recommendations for a sound diet for weight loss. It can be confusing to navigate the way around so many different types of fats and the myths surrounding them. A cardio protective diet is essential to optimise healthy cholesterol levels. The second part of the unit discusses the impact of fats on weight management and blood lipoprotein profile.