CRASHING ON DIET

Unscientific diets could cause serious health problems, and even prove fatal sometimes, warn experts -

Zainab al Nassri -

“I am on a diet’ is a phrase heard often from those obsessed with having a slender figure or keeping their body in shape, thanks to celebrities and social media stars.

Youth, particularly teenagers, and schoolchildren are found resorting to unscientific ‘diets’ or fasting methods without medical or expert advice.

Majida, 17, for instance, is one such victim. She had been trying to cope with weight issues for a long time. Although she would seemingly put up a confident face before her friends, internally she was distraught.

“It was a nightmare. I couldn’t dress up like my friends or play like they did. I was always conscious of my obesity and wanted to badly lose fat,” she said.

Her remedy: simply avoid food. She stopped having food during the day without her parents ever coming to know about it. At night, she would sneak into the kitchen quietly, have some dates and then go to sleep.

She was convinced “avoiding eating is the only way I can lose weight”.

It wasn’t long before Majida faced the consequences of ‘dieting’ or fasting. She fainted in the school campus.

The doctor who examined her told her family she had hypoglycemosis, a condition in which the blood sugar levels in the body are very low. It happens when the blood sugar levels go below the normal levels.

Fortunately for her, she could be treated without any long-term health implications. Others who blindly follow unscientific diets may not be so lucky.

A lot of people think avoiding high-fat and high-calorie food, and sugar without proper medical advice will help them achieve rapid weight loss.

Fathia al Ruzaiqi, a nutritionist, warned that such diets expose them to serious health problems, including appetite disorder, anorexia, and gradually to depression. “It could also result in death,” she said.

According to her, a healthy diet should be based on two main aspects: exercise and correct amount and types of nutrients. “Too many or too few calories result in an unhealthy diet. This is also applicable to fat, sugary or salty meals.”

She says a healthy food regime comprises nutrient-rich foods such as legumes, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, lean protein and nuts and seeds.

Those following a healthy diet should watch their portion sizes so they maintain a healthy weight since both quantity and quality of the food you eat is important. “Exercise is as significant as food because it helps maintain good shape and prevent skin flabbiness.”

With many preferring a fruits- and vegetables-based diet these days, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned that consumption of high levels of high-energy foods such as processed foods that are high in fat and sugar promotes obesity compared with low-energy foods such as fruits and vegetables.

On the other hand, adequate consumption of fruits and vegetables reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases, stomach cancer and colourectal cancer.

“A balanced food system is always the best option to lose weight and maintain good health,” said Al Ruzaiqi.