It can be next to impossible to not wonder what makes celebrities look so good all the time. While sometimes celebrities like Cardi B and Sharon Osbourne have admitted to getting plastic surgery to lose weight quickly, there are also some bizarre fad diets that have helped them to get back into shape. Who can forget the insane, calorie-restrictive diet Kim Kardashian used to fit into Marilyn Monroe’s dress for the Met Gala?
To learn more we spoke with Denise Reynolds, a registered dietitian and nutritionist. Reynolds said that any diet involving extended fasting or detoxing (specifically with laxatives) is the worst because it can put unnecessary stress on the body and can actually result in weight gain. Find out more about this restrictive diet and what kind of diet Reynolds says is best for weight loss below!
READ MORE: The Most Dangerous Fad Diets That Experts Warn Put Your Health At Risk
Celebrity Dieting Fads
Fad diets are basically temporary, extreme diet plans that can help you lose weight quickly. They often compromise the body's overall health because they are usually not based on scientific evidence and research. Some diets suggest eliminating entire food groups. Reynolds, however, warns against cutting out any food groups entirely.
"But each food group has a role in good health—even carbs," she says. "Long-term elimination of these foods can lead to deficiencies. Low fiber can contribute to poor gastrointestinal health. Eliminating fruit eliminates many vitamins and phytonutrients. Even fats are needed for the protection of organs such as the brain!" It's also important to consider why celebrities are fasting and the
"Many celebrity diets are utilized because they need rapid weight loss for a specific event, such as a movie role or to walk the red carpet in style. Health experts all agree that rapid weight loss is (at minimum) unsustainable and (at its worse) dangerous. These celebrities are quite influential, and unfortunately, that can lead to some incredible harm," Reynolds explains. She also emphasizes that these celebrities have access to expensive fitness trainers, dietitians, and personal chefs, and the time to dedicate to their appearance.
Extended Fasting And Detoxing Are The Worst Celebrity Dieting Fads
Specifically, the worst celebrity dieting fad that Reynolds advises against is any kind of diet that involves extended fasting or detoxing. "While there have been some newer research on intermittent fasting or time-restricted eating that show health benefits, there isn't the same that can be said about extended fasts (longer than 24 hours)," she says. This can cause the body to work much harder than necessary to support basic biological functions—resulting in damage to the body.
"The body's metabolic system works best on a fairly consistent supply of usable energy. In a fasting state, it becomes much less efficient and puts unnecessary stress on vital organs, including the brain and the heart," Reynolds continues. "The weight that is lost in the initial period is fluid—putting the dieter at risk for severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalance."
And, when it comes to detoxing, Reynolds warns that supposed "detox" plans that aren't created by a health professional can cause an increased risk of "dehydration and electrolyte imbalance." She adds, "Laxatives and other products that lead to bowel cleansing do not increase the likelihood of sustainable weight loss nor do they increase metabolism. They also do not get rid of 'excess toxins'—the body does that well on its own!"
Instead of celebrity fad diets that are toxic and won't actually cause sustainable weight loss, Reynolds recommends "a whole food, high fiber diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and lean meats" that she says "may sound boring" but will provide results.
"Eliminating processed foods and added sugars can go a long way to reducing calories without the effects of eliminating entire food groups or excessively lowering calories to the point of fatigue and overwhelm," Reynolds suggests. "Popular diets that I recommend people to look into are the Mediterranean diet, the DASH diet, and the MIND diet. All three are plant-based whole foods that focus on anti-inflammatory ingredients." Noted!
The Bottom Line
So, it might not be the best idea to copy celebrity dieting fads, or even use their own diet plans like the "appetite suppressant" lollipops and "detox" flat tummy teas the Kardashians are paid to advertise with on Instagram. Reynolds recommends avoiding any celebrity dieting fad that involves extended fasting and "detoxing" (especially with laxatives). Instead, she suggests trying a diet that eliminates processed foods and focuses on a whole-food, high-fiber diet. Always check with your doctor or a certified dietitian to ensure the diet you want to try is safe and effective. And, just remember that celebrities have the time and money to spend on expensive fitness trainers, dietitians, and personal chefs so they can lose weight for the red carpet or a fashion show.
