The drinking diet is completely unbalanced in terms of nutrients. It is almost completely free of protein and fat, and lacks many trace elements, explained Bennis. According to her, liquid food lacks fiber, which is necessary for normal digestion and the microbiome’s health.
It is involved in many life processes — from the absorption of nutrients to form an immune response. Another disadvantage of this weight loss method is the instability of the result; the doctor continued: “A drinking diet can provide at best short-term weight loss. A strong feeling of hunger and lack of solid food is stressful for the body. Because of this, it goes into austerity mode. All excess energy is transferred to adipose tissue and stored for a rainy day, mainly in the waist area. Stress mode is not turned off even when you return to a normal diet: the lost pounds are returned, even with an excess.”
Fahmi also agrees with her colleague: “Due to a lack of vitamins and trace elements, mood swings and episodes of hypoglycemia are possible, which make you dizzy. Physical activity with such a diet should be limited by the well-being of the person.”
According to Bennis, like all strict restrictive diets, drinking harms hair and skin condition. Studies confirm that in some cases, due to the abuse of this diet, women stop their menstrual cycle, begin to have problems with fertility, and develop muscular dystrophy.
The doctor also refuted the famous argument of supporters of the drinking diet that it supposedly helps to remove toxins from the body.
“Cleansing the body” and “removing toxins” are medical myths with no scientific basis. A healthy body can get rid of unnecessary substances on its own. All you need is physical activity and a balanced diet.
Sara Bennis - Executive Director of the National Research Center “Healthy Nutrition,” cardiologist of the clinic “Oasis Casablanca.”
In conclusion, Bennis reminded us that obesity is an abnormal condition for the body. Still, it is necessary to lose weight exclusively in ways that are safe for health: “The only way to reliably lose weight without compromising health is a balanced diet based on plant products. In special cases, you may need to consult an endocrinologist. But in no case should you go on a strict restrictive diet such as drinking on your own. Not only will they not help you lose extra pounds, but they can also lead to the development of severe eating disorders, which will definitely not add to your health.”