not very much like being on a diet, which made it
easier to follow over a long period of time.Function
The personality type diet is intended to help the
dieter make incremental changes that are sustainable
for a lifetime. Although weight loss is the primary
function of the diet, it is only a secondary concern
and is expected to take place as a natural consequence
of the incremental changes for better eating and health
that take place during the diet. Better eating, exercis-
ing, and coping strategies are expected to lead to
weight loss and better health and well being that lasts
a lifetime.Benefits
There are many benefits to losing weight and
being more fit. The benefits of weight loss can be
very significant, and are even greater for people who
are obese. People who are obese are at higher risk of
diabetes, heart disease, and many other diseases and
disorders. The risk and severity of these disorders is
generally greater the more obese a person is. Weight
loss, if achieved at a moderate pace through a healthy
diet and regular exercise, can reduce the risk of these
and many other obesity-related diseases. Increased
exercise can also reduce the risk of cardiovascular
disease and other diseases. An additional benefit of
the Personality Type Diet is that it may lead to a
perception of increased control over life in general as
the dieter learns to identify and correct problem
behaviors and patterns and take more active control
of his or her eating and weight.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 dis-
eases or conditions. Pregnant orbreastfeedingwomen
should be especially cautious because the diet of the
mother influences the nutrients that the baby receives.Risks
There are some risks to following any diet. The
Dr. Kushner diet encourages the dieter to eat a wide
variety of healthy foods, and does not completely
restrict any food group. For this reason the risks asso-
ciated with this diet are probably not as significant as
with many other diets. However, a multivitamin or
supplement may help ensure that the dieter receivesall the necessary nutrients andvitaminsrequired each
day for good health. A dieter my want to ask his or her
physician about an appropriate vitamin or supplement
before beginning the diet. Vitamins and supplements
have either own risks and women who are pregnant or
breastfeeding should be especially cautious. There are
no known risks specifically associated with the person-
ality type diet as it suggests slow, incremental change
and a balanced diet.Research and general acceptanceAlthough the personality type diet has not been
studied specifically, there is a wealth of scientific evi-
dence that suggests that a diet low in fat and high in
vegetable and plant products is healthful. There is also
a large quantity of evidence that suggests a generally
balanced diet is important for weight loss and good
overall heath.
It is also generally accepted that weight loss can
significantly improve overall health. Obesity is associ-
ated with many different health problems. These
include diabetes, sleep apnea, and cardiovascular dis-
ease. Studies have shown that the more overweight a
person is, the more likely they are to have these and
other obesity related health problems. Losing weight
can significantly reduce these risks and may reduce the
severity of the symptoms if the problems have already
occurred.
Dr. Kushner has authored many scientific papers
about obesity and weight loss. He is the author of the
American Medical Association’s ‘‘Obesity Treatment
Guide for Physcians’’. His views on what constitutes a
healthy diet and what the best ways to help patients
control their weight are generally accepted by the
medical community, and in some cases have set the
standard in care for treating obese patients seeking to
lose weight.QUESTIONS TO ASK THE
DOCTOR 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?
Is this diet the best diet to meet my goals?Personality type diet