The crash diet industry is becoming more and more popular.
People are looking for the quickest way to lose weight and these type of plans seem to tick the boxes.
The real question is, do they work? It depends on how we measure the concept of results.
If weight loss occurs after a crash diet, does it work? I guess the answer is yes.
I was watching a program on the crash diet subject and one of the main themes to come out of this was the theory that crash diets can work by providing a stepping stone to begin the journey.
I do believe there is a little of truth in this point and it shouldn't be discounted.
I am a personal fitness trainer so normally I would criticise these type of diets and how they are short term and damage things like metabolism.
I do still maintain this stance but what I am finding is that crash diets are more popular than normal healthy eating plans.
The key question to ask is, if we manage control a crash diet, can it provide assistance to a healthy eating plan? The answer may be yes.
If i worked with a client who really struggled to lose weight and something like this kick started the process, then the client may be more motivated to push on.
This could mean that other disciplines may be easier to introduce later on because of the results gained.
As most fitness professionals know, the starting point is the most difficult part of weight loss so by getting over this point, it may help client retention.
I would strongly recommend anyone looking to go on a crash diet to seek medical advice and not to do it alone.
These type of diet plans cannot be maintained and due to the restrictive nature of them, the second we come off the crash diet, weight is easily gained back.
If we use quick fix solutions strategically however, it may help get through those first few weeks when the weight loss seems the most challenging.
I would not do anything like this without the support of a dietary specialist or good quality personal trainer however.