The Rice Diet refers to a specific plan devised by Dr. Werner Kempner of Duke University in 1939 to treat patients with high blood pressure and other diseases. The Rice Diet program, still functioning in North Carolina, provides a comprehensive physical before starting the diet and daily medical follow-up onsite. "The Rice Diet Solution," written by the current directors of the Rice program, registered dietitian Kitty Rosati and her cardiologist husband Robert Rosati, allows people unable to undergo the program onsite to follow the plan at home. The Rice Diet, while effective, has some drawbacks.
Limited Food Choices
In the first few weeks, the Rice Diet limits your intake to around 1,000 calories a day. On day one, you're allowed two starches and two fruits at every meal. One starch equals a slice of bread, 1/3 cup of cooked rice or beans, or 1/2 cup of cooked pasta. No sauces, fats, condiments or added salt are allowed. On other days, vegetables and non-fat dairy are added. You can have fish one day a week. For most people, this is a drastic change in the way they eat and the diet may be difficult to stay on if they eat out frequently.
Nutrtitional Deficits
The Rice Diet is low in a number of nutrients, including protein, calcium and vitamin D and requires taking supplements. Dietitians question where there's enough protein in the diet to maintain muscle mass, the website, 3 Fat Chicks on a Diet, warns.
Onsite Cost
People who stay on site with frequent medical follow-up and lots of social and psychological support have the best chance of staying on the diet long enough to lose substantial amounts of weight. In four weeks on site, the average weight loss is 19 lbs. for women, who start the diet at an average weight of 204 lbs. and 24 pounds for men, who start at an average weight of 229 lbs., according to the Rice Diet website. After six years, 43 percent had maintained their weight loss. The cost for personalized attention, prepared meals and a high success rate is high, however; in 2010, the program cost $2,300 for the first week, $1,800 for the second week, $1,000 for the third week, $800 for the fourth and $665 thereafter. Cost included 21 meals per week and medical care but does not include a play to stay. Medicare and private insurance companies do not cover the cost.
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