their own risks and possibilities of side effects. Follow-
ing proper warm up and cool down procedures can
help to minimize the risk of injury during exercise. It
may be recommended that a dieter begin with light or
moderate exercise and slowly increase the intensity of
the exercise over weeks or months.
Research and general acceptanceThere have been no scientific studies of the meth-
ods promoted by LA Weight Loss Centers. Their food
products have not been proven to help dieters lose
weight or live a more-healthy lifestyle. Because each
dieter’s diet will be different it is difficult to say if the
LA Weight Loss program will provide what is gener-
ally recognized as a healthy, well balanced diet. The
United States Department of Agriculture provides
food guidelines in its MyPyramid, the updated version
of the food guide pyramid. Generally, for healthy
adults, any diet program that is healthy should follow
these guidelines. They can be found online athttp://
[http://www.mypyramid.gov.](http://www.mypyramid.gov>.)
The LA Weight Loss plan is generally expected to
include some form of exercise plan. In 2007 the Cen-
ters for Disease Control recommended that healthy
adults get at least 30 minutes a day of light to moderate
exercise. Because each dieter will have a personalized
plan it is not possible to determine if this minimum
recommendation will be met. Exercise is a very impor-
tant part of a healthy lifestyle and has been shown to
reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Studies have
shown that weight loss is achieved more effectively
through programs that combine diet and exercise
than programs that focus on just one aspect alone.Resources
BOOKS
Shannon, Joyce Brennfleck ed.Diet and Nutrition Source-
book.Detroit, MI: Omnigraphics, 2006.
Willis, Alicia P. ed.Diet Therapy Research Trends.
New York: Nova Science, 2007.
PERIODICALS
Tsai, Adam Gilden and Thomas A. Wadden. ‘‘Systematic
Review: An Evaluation of Major Commercial Weight
Loss Programs in the United States.’’Annals of Internal
Medicine(4 January 2005): V142 56-66.
ORGANIZATIONS
American Dietetic Association. 120 South Riverside Plaza,
Suite 2000, Chicago, Illinois 60606-6995. Telephone:
(800) 877-1600. Website:<http://www.eatright.org>
OTHER
LA Weight Loss Centers2007.<http://
http://www.laweightloss.com>(April 14, 2007).
Wender, Samantha. ‘‘Welcome to LA Weight Loss. ’’ABC
News Online16 Feb 2007.<http://abcnews.go.com/>
(February 16, 2007).Helen DavidsonLactose intolerance diet
Definition
Lactose intolerance is a condition caused by the
inability to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk. The
lactose intolerance diet is a diet designed to treat
the symptoms that result from undigested lactose.Origins
No single person originated the lactose intoler-
ance diet. Physicians treating symptoms of lactose
intolerance have developed this diet through observa-
tion and trial and error by their patients.Description
Lactose is the main sugar in milk. Normally when
lactose reaches the small intestine, it is broken down
into simpler sugars by the enzyme lactase. These sim-
pler sugars are absorbed into the bloodstream and
eventually are used as fuel for he body.
Lactase is made in the cells that line the small intes-
tine. In some people, these cells do not make enoughQUESTIONS TO ASK THE
DOCTOR Is this diet the best diet to meet my goals?
At what level of intensity is it appropriate for me
to begin exercising?
Does diet or exercise pose any special risk for
me that I should be aware of?
Would a multivitamin or other dietary
supplement be appropriate for me if I were to
begin this diet?
Is this diet appropriate for my entire family?
Is it safe for me to follow this diet over a long
period of time?
Are there any sign or symptoms that might
indicate a problem while on this diet?Lactose intolerance diet