Beware Of Fad Diets And Fast Weight Loss Promises

VINCENNES, Ind., July 26, 2021 – Call it the “Quarantine 15” or “COVID-19”, many people are reporting that the buttons on their clothing have been social distancing.

Sixty-one percent of adults reported experiencing undesired weight changes since the start of the pandemic, according to a February 2021 American Psychological Association survey. Forty-two percent, more than two in five survey participants, said they gained more weight than they intended.

Factors such as stress, isolation, lockdown orders, boredom, lack of access to gyms or recreational facilities, more time spent indoors, may have contributed to weight gain.

College students will soon return to campus for the fall semester. Some possibly with unwanted pounds. College students are often the target of ad messages promoting fad diets and various weight loss plans, which may not be healthy options and which Vincennes University health experts warn against.

As the world attempts to emerge from this pandemic, getting back on track to a healthy lifestyle and following healthy habits is of great concern or priority, especially as many people are preparing to go back to school or return to the office.

Vincennes University Professor and Nutrition and Dietetics Program Chair Lou Ann Lindsey, R.D.N., M.S., emphasizes that “Two-thirds of American adults are either overweight or obese, so many of us could benefit from positive dietary changes. Healthy eating and exercise habits may directly aid with weight control and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Lowered blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and moderated blood sugars are often the result of weight loss. In addition, healthy lifestyles make us feel better about ourselves and improve our mental outlook and lower our stress levels. Rather than focus too much on the scales, I would suggest focusing on the healthy eating and exercise habits, and then the weight takes care of itself.”

Lindsey suggests people should steer clear of fad diets and fraudulent products or supplements that claim to help with weight loss.

“People who might want professional help with planning a healthy weight loss diet would benefit from the services of a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist,” Lindsey said. “Most often, a dietitian consultant can be found through a local hospital on an outpatient basis. They may need a referral from their physician. Of course, there are many self-help programs and activities that can be useful in improving one’s diet and activity level.”

Lindsey recommends going to the www.MyPlate.gov website to get more information.

“There is also a handy app to download from that website that will help them be able to track food intake as well as activity levels,” Lindsey said. “There is also a lot of helpful information there on planning a diet to meet their nutritional needs as well as to help with weight loss.”

Students interested in learning more about nutrition and healthy eating can enroll in VU’s Fundamentals of Nutrition course. One of the most important concepts the class covers is how to identify sources of good nutrition information.

Physical fitness and being active are critical components in overall health and wellness.

According to VU College of Health Sciences and Human Performance Dean Michelle Cummins, “Exercise is more than losing weight. There are countless proven upsides to incorporating fitness and being active into a daily routine. Regular exercise and moving your body have many physical, emotional, and mental benefits for the whole being.”

Kinesiology studies the mechanics of human movement and how they impact health and wellbeing. VU’s Kinesiology and Sport, Wellness and Exercise degree prepares students for potential careers in fitness/wellness centers and health clubs in addition to community, employee, and institutional exercise programs.

Being healthy, fit, and well is a lifelong venture.

Vincennes University supports total wellness and health for the mind, body, and spirit.

Students, faculty, and staff have access to a myriad of resources and services, including the following.

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About Vincennes University – Indiana’s First College

VU is state-supported with campuses in Vincennes and Jasper, the Aviation Technology Center and American Sign Language program in Indianapolis, Early College Career and Technical Education Centers, and additional sites such as the Gene Haas Training and Education Center in Lebanon, the Logistics Training and Education Center in Plainfield, and the Gibson County Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics in Fort Branch. VU offers online degrees and classes to students who need access to college courses and flexibility through its Distance Education.

A leader in dual credit and career and technical education statewide, VU also offers instruction at military sites throughout the nation.

In addition to offering a wide range of associate degree and certificate programs, VU also offers bachelor’s degree programs in technology, homeland security, nursing, health care services administration, secondary education programs in mathematics and science, and special education/elementary education.

VU enrolls students from throughout Indiana, 35 other states, and 21 other countries. Tuition and fees are the lowest among Indiana campuses with residence halls. VU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Founded in 1801, VU is Indiana’s first college and is the only college in the nation founded by an individual who would later become President of the United States. William Henry Harrison, the ninth U.S. President, founded VU while serving as governor of the Indiana Territory. More information is available at www.vinu.edu.