28 May Press: Quartz – There’s a diet that really works, if you’re okay with a year of misery
Our very own Sarah Currie was featured by Quartz on their article: There’s a diet that really works, if you’re okay with a year of misery – RD Sarah Currie talks about the effectiveness of sticking with a low carb diet for a year or more.
This Quartz article discusses the effectiveness of the “Optifast” diet, a medically supervised weight-loss program that requires a high level of commitment and can be challenging to follow. The diet involves a year-long program consisting of three phases:
- Active weight loss (12-16 weeks): Participants consume only Optifast meal replacements, which are low-calorie, nutritionally complete shakes, soups, and bars. This phase promotes rapid weight loss by creating a significant calorie deficit.
- Transition (6-8 weeks): Gradually, participants reintroduce regular food while still consuming some Optifast meal replacements to maintain a calorie-controlled diet.
- Maintenance (ongoing): The final phase focuses on long-term weight maintenance through lifestyle changes, including healthy eating habits and regular exercise.
The article highlights that the Optifast diet has shown promising results in clinical studies, with participants losing an average of 30 pounds and maintaining the weight loss over the long term. However, the program can be challenging due to the extreme nature of the initial phase, leading to feelings of hunger, fatigue, and irritability.
Despite the potential benefits, the Optifast diet may not be suitable for everyone, and it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before considering such a restrictive weight-loss program.