The South Beach was published in 2003, it is sometimes referred to as a modified low carb diet because it restricts carbohydrates but not as much as some other popular diets do. There are concerns regarding the high protein content of this diet, including cardiovascular risk.
Too Much, Too Fast
Most diets will cause weight loss in the short term and this one is no different. Health care professionals express concern regarding losing a large amount of weight rapidly on the SBD, this indicates a loss of water weight or lean tissue, rather than fat. Dr. Joe Furhman, M.D., Hunterdon Medical Center, Flemington, New Jersey specializes in nutritional weight loss. He states that permanent weight loss only occurs as a result of permanent lifestyle changes.The SBD will cause dehydration and significant weight loss initially. As soon as carbohydrate-rich foods are reintroduced in the diet, weigh will be gained again.
Beware of False Claims
According to MayoClinic.com, no clinical trials have measured the cardiac health outcomes of the South Beach Diet. There have been no studies of the overall health or cardiac benefits of following a lower carb diet. Age, weight, physical activity, medications, food preparation, and portion size are all factors that have been proven to contribute to overall health. These factors are not all adequately addressed in the SBD.
High Fat Intake
Dr. Fuhrman warns that the SBD promotes a yo-yo body weight effect and causes dangerous narrowing of arteries and plaque build-up in blood vessel walls that leads to serious heart disease and early heart attacks. The SBD diet encourages consumption of fats in fried foods. High fat diets have been linked to many diseases including heart disease, stroke, cancer and obesity.
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