Because the Six Week Body Makeover eliminates
dairy products from the diet, anyone considering the
plan may also want to consider taking calcium supple-
ments. Additionally, some dieters may experience certain
negative side effects because the diet eliminates caffeine
from the diet. People who, before beginning this diet,
frequently consume caffeinated beverages such as colas
or coffee may experience symptoms of caffeine with-
drawal such as headache, fatigue, or muscle pain.Risks
There are risks associated with starting any new
diet plan. Often, it is difficult to get enough of some
vitamins and minerals when eating a limited diet. The
Six Week Body Makeover does not allow dieters to
consume dairy products, so dieters may want to con-
sult their physician about whether taking a vitamin or
supplement would help them reduce the risk of cal-
cium or other vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
Injuries can occur during exercise, such as strained
or sprained muscles. Proper warm-up and cool-down
procedures should be followed to minimize these risks.
To minimize the risk of serious injury, dieters should
begin with light exercise and increase the intensity of
their workout slowly over weeks or months.Research and general acceptance
The Six Week Body Makeover has not been the
subject of any significant scholarly research. Thurmond
provides no scientific evidence for the ideas behind hisdiet. There is no evidence to support the theory that
frequent eating of low-calorie meals will speed up
metabolism. For most people, moderately limiting
caloric intake and eating a diet low infatsand carbohy-
drates and high in vegetable and plant products is gen-
erally accepted as a healthy diet.
As of 2007, the United States Center for Disease
Control recommended a minimum of 30 minutes a day
of light to moderate exercise for healthy adults. Fol-
lowing The Six Week Body Makeover’s exercise pro-
gram of 18 minutes of exercise twice per week would
not meet this recommendation.Resources
BOOKS
Bijlefeld, Marjolijn and Sharon K. Zoumbaris.Encyclopedia
of Diet Fads. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 2003.
Icon Health Publications.Fad Diets: A Bibliography, Medi-
cal Dictionary, and Annotated Research Guide to Inter-
net References. San Diego, CA: Icon Health
Publications, 2004.
Shannon, Joyce Brennfleck ed.Diet and Nutrition Source-
book.Detroit, MI: Omnigraphics, 2006.
Thurmond, Michael.6-Day Body Makeover.New York:
Warner Books, 2005.
Thurmond, Michael.The 12 Day Body Shaping Miracle.
New York: Warner Wellness, 2007.
Willis, Alicia P. ed.Diet Therapy Research Trends.New
York: Nova Science, 2007.
ORGANIZATIONS
American Dietetic Association. 120 South Riverside Plaza,
Suite 2000, Chicago, Illinois 60606-6995. Telephone:
(800) 877-1600. Website:<http://www.eatright.org>
OTHER
Six Week Body Makeover2007.<http://www.mybody
makeover.com>(April 12, 2007).Tish Davidson, A.M.Slim4Life
Definition
Slim4Life is a center-based approach to weight
loss that helps dieters lose weight through regular
sessions with personal diet counselors.Origins
It is not clear how the Slim4Life program origi-
nated. The website, <http://www.Slim4Life.com>
says that they have been helping dieters for moreQUESTIONS TO ASK THE
DOCTOR How much weight can I reasonably lose per
week?
Is this diet the best diet to meet my goals?
Does diet or exercise pose any special risk for me
that I should be aware of?
Is it safe for me to cut out caffeine and dairy
products from my diet?
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?Slim4Life