The fats that the South Beach diet calls ‘‘good’’
fats are unsaturated fats. Unsaturated refers to a cer-
tain part of their chemical structure. ‘‘Bad’’ fats are
saturated fats that have a slightly different chemical
structure. Saturated fats are thought to promote athe-
rosclerosis or ‘‘hardening of the arteries.’’ In this con-
dition, cholesterol and other materials build up on the
walls of the arteries (blood vessels) blocking blood
flow and causing the arteries to lose their elasticity.Benefits
According to Agatston, benefits of the South
Beach diet include:
rapid weight loss followed by lifetime weight control
loss of weight from the belly region
fewer hunger pangs because of slower carbohydrate
breakdown and frequent small meals
a heart-healthy approach to fats
decreased risk of developing cardiovascular disease.Precautions
The South Beach diet is unlikely to meet the nutri-
tional needs of growing children.Risks
Many nutritionists question whether this diet pro-
vides long-term balanced nutrition. Specific objections
are that limiting milk may lead tocalciumdeficiency
and limiting and whole grains even in the maintenance
phase may lead to deficiencies in dietaryfiberand B-
complexvitamins. The initial rapid weight loss also is
of concern to many weight-loss experts.Research and general acceptance
The South Beach diet is relatively new, and no inde-
pendent scholarly research has been done on it. A few
small studies that report decreased blood fats and similar
heart-protective effects have been sponsored by organiza-
tions with South Beach diet affiliations. However, nutri-
tionists are in general agreement that replacing saturated
fats with unsaturated fats in the diet is a healthy choice.
Nutritionists also agree that whole grains tend to be more
healthful than refined grains, but express concern about
the small quantity of whole grains permitted on the diet.?
Of more concern is the rapid weight loss of phase 1.
This rate of weight loss is not in line with generally
accepted practices for healthy dieting and long-term
weight control, andobesityexperts find highly ques-
tionable the claim that dieters can control weight loss so
that they preferentially lose belly fat. The public hasenthusiastically embraced the South Beach Diet, but
how many people can stay on this fairly rigorous diet
and maintain long term weight-loss remains to be seen.Resources
BOOKS
Agatston, Arthur.The South Beach Diet: The Delicious,
Doctor-designed, Foolproof Plan for Fast and Healthy
Weight Loss. Emmaus, PA: Rodale, 2003.
Agatston, Arthur.The South Beach Diet Quick & Easy
Cookbook: 200 Delicious Recipes Ready in 30 Minutes or
Less. Emmaus, PA: Rodale, 2005.
Agatston, Arthur.The South Beach Heart Program: The
4-Step Plan That Can Save Your Life. Emmaus, PA:
Rodale, 2006.
Bijlefeld, Marjolijn and Sharon K. Zoumbaris.Encyclopedia
of Diet Fads. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 2003.
Icon Health Publications.Fad Diets: A Bibliography,
Medical Dictionary, and Annotated Research Guide to
Internet References. San Diego, CA: Icon Health
Publications, 2004.
Scales, Mary Josephine.Diets in a Nutshell: A Definitive
Guide on Diets from A to Z. Clifton, VA: Apex Pub-
lishers, 2005.
ORGANIZATIONS
American Dietetic Association. 120 South Riverside Plaza,
Suite 2000, Chicago, Illinois 60606-6995. Telephone:
(800) 877-1600. Website:<http://www.eatright.org>
The South Beach Diet Online. (Official Website of South
Beach Diet)<http://www.southbeachdiet.com>
OTHER
Harvard School of Public Health. ‘‘Interpreting News on
Diet.’’ Harvard University, 2007.<http://
http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/media.html>
Kellow, Juliette. ‘‘South Beach Diet Under the Spotlight.’’
Weight Loss Resources, March 16, 2007.<http://QUESTIONS TO ASK THE
DOCTOR What are my current risk factors for heart disease?
Is there another diet that might better meet my
health goals
Do I have any health conditions that might be
worsened by the restrictions of this diet?
Can my whole family follow this diet?
Are there any sign or symptoms that might
indicate a problem while on this diet?
Do you have any experience with the long-term
success of this diet?
If one of your family members wanted to go on a
diet, would you recommend this one?South Beach diet