'Miracle diets pose health risk' A UK government minister has written to magazine editors asking them not to promote post-Christmas "miracle" diets because they pose a "health risk". Scottish Liberal Democrat politician and Equalities minister Jo Swinson wrote an open letter asking magazines to "shed the fad diets and fitness myths" in their January editions. The co-founder of the Campaign for Body Confidence implored them instead to "celebrate the beauty of diversity in body shape, skin colour, size and age."
The letter, which was sent to magazines aimed at women and men, as well as health, celebrity and gossip publications, said: "I am sure that you want to promote a healthy lifestyle for your readers but at this time of year in particular far too much of magazine coverage tends to focus on irresponsible, short-term solutions and encourages readers to jump on fad diet bandwagons. As editors you owe more to your readers than the reckless promotion of unhealthy solutions to losing weight.” She later told the BBC she was opposed to "any diet that is encouraging you to lose weight at a miracle speed, which is an unhealthy speed, or cutting out food groups, or skipping meals."
Rick Miller, a clinical dietician and spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association, told the BBC aid fad diets could cause major issues. "A lot of them promote cutting out whole food groups but the problem is that you end up with massive nutritional imbalances. If people are losing weight rapidly the consequences are that they rebound - and that's just a waste of time." Instead, he said those who want to lose weight should set realistic targets and write down everything they eat and drink. "Don't have a biscuit with every cup of tea and don't have that extra portion you would normally have. Small changes are best."