these diet plans have a high risk of nutrient deficien-
cies. Dieters considering this diet should consult a
doctor about an appropriate multivitamin or supple-
ment to help reduce this risk. Vitamins and supple-
ments have their own associated risks and are not
regulated by the Food and Drug Administration in
the same way as medicines.
There may be some negative side effects from
following the 24 or 48 Hour diets. Some dieters who
have tried them reported intestinal cramping, light
headedness, and generally not feeling well. The web-
site suggests that the first time a dieter try these prod-
ucts it be done on a day off or a weekend.
Repeating this diet frequently or for an extended
period could have seriousconsequences. Very low
calorie diets can have many negative side effects.
For extremely obese people these risks of side effects
can be reduced by proper medical supervision, and
may be outweighed by the benefit of significant
weight loss. Very low calorie diets are usually only
prescribed for people who are suffering serious med-
ical consequences from obesity. Very low calorie diets
can result in many different side effects including
gallstonesand cardiovascular problems. Very low
calorie diets are not appropriate for people who are
not extremely obese, and are never appropriate with-
out medical supervision.Research and general acceptanceThere have been no significant scientific studies of
Hollywood 24 or 48 Hour Diets, or any of the other
Hollywood products. The use of very low calorie star-
vation type diets is generally accepted to be negative
for the health. Some people do advocate the use of
juice fasting as a way to detoxify the body, but this isextremely controversial, and there is no research on
the Hollywood diets being safe or effective for this
kind of use. It is generally recommended that for
safe, effective, long term weight loss and maintenance
dieters follow a reduced calorie diet full of fruits and
vegetables and get regular exercise.Resources
BOOKS
Downing, Frank and O. Bardoff.The Hollywood Emergency
Diet.Montclair, NJ: Millburn Book Corp, 1979.
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
Larhammar, Dan. ‘‘Fakes and Fraud in Commercial Diets.’’
Scandinavian Journal of Food and Nutrition(June 2005):
78-80.
ORGANIZATIONS
American Dietetic Association. 120 South Riverside Plaza,
Suite 2000, Chicago, Illinois 60606-6995. Telephone:
(800) 877-1600. Website:<http://www.eatright.org>
OTHER
Hollywood Diet.com2004.<http://www.hollywooddiet
.com>(April 2, 2007).Helen M. DavidsonHoodia
Definition
Hoodia is a genus of desert plants containing 13
species. One species,Hoodia gondonii, is marketed in
the United States as a weight-loss supplement. In this
entry, hoodia refers only toHoodia gondonii.Purpose
Marketers of hoodia claim that it suppresses the
appetite so that individuals eat less and lose weight.
Claims that hoodia is a safe and effective weight-loss
supplement are highly controversial.Description
Hoodia is a succulent desert plant that looks like a
cactus. Its upright stem bears sharp spines and large
pinkish flowers. The plant takes 4–6 years to mature
and can reach a height of 3 ft (1 m). When eaten,QUESTIONS TO ASK THE
DOCTOR Is this diet safe for me?
Will this diet help me reach my long term weight
loss goals?
Do I have any dietary requirements this diet
might not meet?
Would a multivitamin or other dietary
supplement be appropriate for me if I were to
begin this diet?
Is it safe for me to follow this diet over an
extended period of time?Hoodia