Do Weight-loss Diets Work?

They generally have the same goal; to help you lose weight and achieve specific health goals. But are they any good? We spoke to Malaysian Wellness Society president and Pantai Medical Centre consultant physician and geriatrician Dr Rajban Singh about some diet trends. Here’s what he says.

- Batrisyia Jay

Dukan Diet

This diet is created by French general practitioner Dr Pierre Dukan, who specialises in weight management. It is a high-protein, low-carbohydrate weight-loss diet for rapid weight loss without hunger. The diet starts with a calculation of your ‘true’ weight based on your age, weight loss history and other factors. The first phase - the Attack phase, runs for a week where you eat unlimited lean protein plus one and a half tablespoons of oat bran per day. In the second phase – the Cruise phase, you will alternate between lean protein, and lean protein and non-starchy vegetables including two tablespoons of oat bran per day. In the third phase - the Consolidation phase, you’re entitled to unlimited lean protein and vegetables, carbohydrates and fats, one day of lean protein per week, and two and a half tablespoons of oat bran per day. You do this for five days for every pound lost in phases one and two. The last phase known as Stabilisation is much like the third phase but isn’t as strict. Oat bran is increased to three tablespoons per day now. How long you stay in each phase depends on how much weight you need to lose to reach your ‘true’ weight.

Doctor’s note: