chips, and sauces. For all of her products she provides
information on what level of the diet they are appro-
priate for and what category they fall under.Function
The Suzanne Somers Weight Loss Plan is intended
to create a changed set of eating habits that last a life-
time. The intended outcome of the diet is weight loss,
but the diet does not have a defined end. Instead, it is
intended that the dieter follow the level 2 recommenda-
tions for weight maintenance throughout his or her life.
The diet is also intended to provide better general heath
through the emphasis on preparing and eating fresh
foods instead of processed foods, which are often high
insodiumand low in nutrients.Benefits
There are many health benefits associated with
weight loss. These include a decreased risk of type II
diabetes and cardiovascular disease. For people who
already have these or other obesity-related diseases and
conditions, the symptoms may decrease in severity, or
in some cases, resolve altogether with significant weight
loss. In general the risk of these diseases increases as the
degree ofobesityincrease, as do the average severity of
the symptoms, so those who are the most obese can
potentially gain the most in health benefits from signifi-
cant weight loss.
There are also many different health benefits that
result from a diet that includes a variety of fresh fruits
and vegetables, and a lower quantity of processed or
pre-prepared foods. Fresh fruits and vegetables and
whole grains provide many different vitaminsand
mineralsthat are beneficial to general health. These
vitamins and minerals are often lost or greatly reduced
during processing. Processing can also add large quan-
tities of sodium. Lower sodium intake can also have
health benefits.Precautions
Anyone thinking of beginning a new diet should
consult a medical practitioner. Requirements of calo-
ries, fat, and nutrients can differ significantly from
person to person, depending on gender, age, weight,
and many other factors such as the presence of disease
or conditions. Pregnant or breastfeeding women
should be especially cautious because deficiencies of
vitamins or minerals can have a significant negative
impact on a baby. Because the Suzanne Somers Weight
Loss Plan severely limits some foods, it is especially
important to ensure that daily requirements of vitamins
and minerals are being met.RisksThere are some risks associated with any diet. It is
often difficult to get enough of all required vitamins and
minerals when eating a limited variety of foods. The
Suzanne Somers diet does provide many different foods
that are available to eat, and the restrictions are not as
severe as with many other diets. However because the
diet forces the dieter to choose what kinds of food are
going to be eaten during each meal, the potential for
problems may increase if the same sorts of foods are
chosen for every meal. Anyone beginning a diet may
want to consult their physician about whether taking a
vitamin or supplement might help them reduce the risk
of vitamin or mineral deficiency.
There are also some risks associated with diets that
allow the dieter to eat as much fat, red meat, and animal
products, such as eggs and butter, as are desired. These
foods, eaten in large quantities, are frequently associ-
ated with cardiovascular problems such as heart dis-
ease. Following good dietary practices as outlined by
theUnited States Department of Agriculture’s MyPyr-
amidwhich suggests eating limited amounts of meat
and mostly lean meats, may help to reduce these risks.Research and general acceptance
There has been no scientific research on Suzanne
Somers’ diet program. There is also no evidence that
the idea of food grouping actually results in weight
loss, better metabolism, or better digestion. Research
has been done on the many benefits of weight loss.
These documented benefits include lower risk of type
II diabetes and heart disease, and reduced severity of
symptoms. There is a growing body of research inves-
tigating the effects of a diet that has large amounts ofQUESTIONS TO ASK THE
DOCTOR Is this diet the best diet to meet my goals?
Does this diet 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?Suzanne Somers weight loss plan