May 31, 2000

With more than half of Americans officially overweight, it's easy to see how fad weight-loss diets can quickly catch on.

But nutritionists warn-- don't be fooled! News Specialist Jill Atwood has the story.

There're high protein diets, there are low fat diets. Diets that are certainly all the rage, but can you really get fit, and feel your best eating just certain foods?

In a world of fast lives, and lots of fast food, it's now harder than ever to eat healthy and exercise.

The end result: Americans are getting fatter and fatter-- 55 percent of adults, 10 percent of children.

Dieter: "I'VE TRIED FEN PHEN, I'VE TRIED JENNY CRAIG. I'VE EVEN TRIED AN ALL-FRUIT DIET, BUT NONE OF THEM SEEM TO WORK."

Fad diets may seem like a quick fix, but in the end it could be as simple as eating fruits and vegetables over fried foods.

"MOST OF MY FRIENDS HAVE TRIED IT BUT THEY JUST GAIN THE WEIGHT BACK. THEY CAN'T KEEP IT OFF."

There are all kinds of low fat diets, but probably the most popular diet right now is Dr. Atkins's low carbohydrate-high protein diet. Eat all the meat and cheese you please, just lay off the carbs.

But clinical dietician Joan Clark says when it comes to too much of one thing, always be careful.

Joan Clark/Clinical Dietician, University Hospital: "YOU'RE GOING TO GET AN ACCUMULATION OF TOXINS AND CHEMICALS THAT ARE IN THE FOOD CHAIN AT A HIGHER CONCENTRATION."

And she says low fat diets can actually lead to depression.

The expert advice? You've probably already guessed. It's a healthy balance of diet and exercise.

"YOU REALLY DO WANT A BALANCE OF PROTEIN, CARBOHYDRATES, AND FAT SO THAT YOU CAN GET THE BEST FUEL POSSIBLE. EVERYBODY'S GOING TO BE A LITTLE BIT DIFFERENT IN THAT AREA."

The experts also say if you want to make lifestyle changes it's important to do it gradually, take it in steps. It will help you stay focused and stick to the plan.