Healthcare | Wednesday 19 April, 2017 1:17 pm |

With the war on obesity in full swing, the search for new weight loss methods is at an all-time high, be it novel diets, exercise regimens or weight loss supplements. The modern world is obsessed with dieting - whether the reasons for dieting are cosmetic or health related. It is not surprising that people are trying to reinvent theories and diets to rid themselves of fat. The number of diets and diet claims that have existed and are continuing to grow are mind-boggling and almost impossible to keep pace with.

 

The tendency of individuals trying to lose weight is to look for the fastest and the easiest way to do so, thereby giving rise to a growing jungle of “fad diets”. There are numerous types of fad diets available with supportive theories giving consumers a varied choice to select the diet that feeds their fantasy. Remember weight loss is difficult and there are no miracles. Many popular weight loss programs appear to fulfill their promises in the short term by restricting certain food groups. One of the most widely common diet regimens heard of is ‘The Blood Group’ diet. There are many people who swear by this diet; but what are the details of the blood type diet, and is it based on any solid evidence? Know more from the experts at Weightmonitor UAE, UAE’s first app based weight loss program.

 

The Blood Group diet is based on the idea that your blood type reflects your anthropological background and that this influences your body’s reaction to food. ‘Eat Right for Your Type’ is based on the notion that people can improve their digestion, lose weight, and get healthy by eating only foods that are harmonious with their individual blood type.

 

This diet has no scientific foundation and most evidence is based on anecdotal findings, and testimonials of short-term results. This is also nutritionally imbalanced diet. For example:  the diet plan for Type O and A blood types is that dairy products are limited and consequently the diet is low in calcium and also other essential nutrients. A recent scientific study conducted at the University of Toronto, published in 2014 in Plos One Journal, debunked the ‘Blood Type’ diet hypothesis and reported that eating foods according to your blood type does not help in losing weight and decreasing the risk of chronic diseases.   

 

Blood group diets lack scientific validity and is based on a clinician’s observation. Also it's practically impossible to imagine a house hold with different blood groups & different diets. Diets do need to be customized according to individual needs. We do face the issue of food sensitivities. However there is a scientific basis to this. All on all we need to change eating habits, understand food & make eating right a commitment.

Finally, there is no magic solution for weight loss and there are no short-cuts. Simply reducing calories and fat may not be enough. A successful diet plan enables you to lose weight slowly and surely, and establishes a healthy eating and exercise pattern that will last a lifetime, so that weight loss is permanent.