groups. This may make the program easier to follow
for these groups, and dieters may appreciate the spe-
cial attention given to their particular needs and
concerns.
Dieters may find the slow, step-by-step process
encouraged by Dr. Weil to be a significant benefit of
this plan. For many people, making huge lifestyle
changes rapidly can be very difficult. Focusing on
making small changes in one area of life at a time can
make change seem more manageable. The eight-week
time period of the plan is longer than that for many
plans, but this may also benefit dieters because good
habits take time to become ingrained, so by the end of
the diet, dieters may find that they have many good
habits already internalized. This may make it easier to
continue with the recommendations of the plan after
the eight weeks are over.
Precautions
Anyone thinking of beginning a new diet should
consult a physician or other medical professional.
Each person is different, and daily requirements of
calories, vitamins,minerals, and other nutrients can
differ from person to person depending on age,
weight, sex, activity level, the presence of certain dis-
eases and conditions. A doctor can help a dieter deter-
mine if a diet is likely to be safe and effective for that
dieter, and if is the best diet to meet the dieter’s per-
sonal goals. Pregnant orbreastfeedingwomen should
be especially cautious because when a baby receives all
of its nutrients from its mother what the mother eats
can affect the baby’s health and well-being.
When a diet or lifestyle plan recommends vitamins
and mineral supplements or herbal supplements, it is
especially important that the dieter discuss beginning
such a regimen with his or her doctor. Although many
therapies embraced by alternative medicine have sci-
entific support, it is crucial that dieters discuss these
therapies with their personal physician and do not
attempt to undertake them without proper medical
supervision.
Risks
There are some risks to any diet. Anytime a dieter
begins to eat a restricted diet there is some risk that not
all the vitamins and minerals needed for good health
will be consumed each day. A dietary supplement or
multivitamin may help reduce these risks. Because
supplements and vitamins have their own risks, and
are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administra-
tion in the same way as prescription medicine, dieters
should be cautious about which supplements they
choose. Talking to a doctor can help dieters choose a
multivitamin or supplement that is right for their indi-
vidual needs.Research and general acceptanceThere have not been any significant scientific
studies done to determine the effectiveness of Dr.
Weil’s program. However, it is generally accepted
that a healthy diet is one that contains many different
fruits and vegetables, stress reduction, and exercise, as
these all have positive effects on the body.
The United States Department of Agriculture
makes recommendations for how many servings of
each food group should be consumed each day for
good health. This recommendations are in the MyPyr-
amid food guidelines, and can be found at<http://
http://www.MyPyramid.gov>. Any healthy diet should gen-
erally follow the guidelines as laid out in the MyPyr-
amid guide. The Optimum Health Plan would meet
these requirements for most people, but because of the
recommendations against meat, dieters may want to
ensure that they are getting enough servings from the
meat and beans group. MyPyramid recommends that
healthy adults eat the equivalent of 5–6.5 ounces from
this food group each day.
Studies have shown that diet and exercise are
more effective at producing long-term, sustainable
weight loss when done in combination than either
diet or exercise is, when done alone. The Optimum
Health Plan advocates making changes in both of
these areas slowly, which may add up to large positive
outcomes in the long term.QUESTIONS TO ASK THE
DOCTOR Is this diet the best diet or lifestyle plan to meet
my goals?
Would a multivitamin or other dietary
supplement be appropriate for me if I were to
begin this diet?
What kind of exercise might be appropriate for
my lifestyle and fitness level?
Is this diet appropriate for my entire family?
Is it safe for me to follow this diet over a long
period of time?
Is this diet the best diet to meet my goals?Optimum health plan