(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Muscat -
The pressure of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and being in shape is forcing many people to resort to dietary supplements nowadays, a worrying trend say nutritionists. They doubt the efficacy of such supplements and even think may come with side-effects.
They also offer a word of caution for those who are too quick to jump onto each and every weight-loss programme on the Internet without studying their consequences.
Dr Jishey Seby, dietitian, KIMS Oman Hospital, says, 'I would rather recommend a modified diet and exercise than supplements.'
Unless a deficiency is identified, a supplement is unnecessary and a balanced diet along with optimum exercise is enough to stay healthy, believe experts.
Rather than break the bank on dietary supplements it is better to consult a dietitian on how to balance your diet, says Dr Khezia Jane E Resma, nutrionist, Burjeel Hospital.
She added, 'Supplements promoting weight loss are a fad and they are not safe.'
Weight loss is a journey that needs to be undertaken for a lifetime, feels Dr Hanan al Shaqsi, dietitian, Aster al Raffah Hospital, Ghubra. 'I am absolutely against these pills, teas, shakes, or supplements that promote weight loss. Weight loss is a lifetime journey. People should know that dietary modifications are not supposed to be temporary.'
Dr Hanan also strongly feels about those who latch on to food fads such as raw veganism without considering their body type.
'Moderation is the key. Raw food is beneficial in many ways. A raw food diet is essential in getting vitamins that probably get lost while cooking. However, one has to consider the body type of a person and check if he/she has any medical issues,' she says.
'Some of the questions we ask when working with a client is if they are going to be vegan? Will they have a source of Vitamin B12 in their diet or would they require a supplement? It is important to understand a body type before concluding if a diet will be beneficial to a person,' Dr Hanan adds.
Raw food is a favourite when talking of weight loss, says Dr Khezia. 'Raw food is essential in many cultures and it should be accommodated in moderation.'
Thoselooking for instant weight loss are living in a world of myth, believe experts. 'Dieting programmes just waste time and can be dangerous to one's health, especially those with medical conditions. Use the Internet to guide you to professionals. Many fad diets are either way too high in fat, protein, or way too low in carbohydrate. Someone with cholesterol, for example, may get into trouble with such unscientific diets,' says Dr Hanan.
Crash diets too are a big no. A quick fix weight loss solution does more harm. Many a times they reduce the metabolism, weaken the immune system, cause dehydration and can even cause damage to skin and hair, says Dr Jishey.
Crash dieting also bounces back those pounds once you abandon them, says Dr Khezia. 'These are not sustainable weight loss programmes and the risk for rebound weight gain is very high.'
The best way to adopt a healthy lifestyle is by eating smart and eating right, says Dr Hanan. 'Gradual dietary modification is essential.'
Dr Khezia agrees by saying, 'I encourage my clients to make small changes in their eating habits. Small changes make great impact and are good for sustainability. I believe in the slogan, 'What you eat today is what your body becomes tomorrow'.'
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