Grapefruit Juice Diet To Lose Weight

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice diets are among the most popular fad diets for rapid weight loss. In addition to its very-low-calorie diet component, this diet warrants special caution as grapefruit juice can cause dangerous interactions with certain medications. Consult a doctor if you are interested in a grapefruit juice diet to lose weight.

Scientific Evidence

Grapefruit juice, grapefruits and grapefruit capsules can help you lose weight, according to K. Fujioka, lead author of a 2005 study published in the "Journal of Medicinal Food." Study participants who consumed one-half of a grapefruit prior to meals demonstrated "significant" weight loss. While the mechanism for weight loss is not identified, the study concludes that including grapefruit in weight loss regimens is a reasonable idea.

Caloric Intake

While grapefruit juice or grapefruit may help speed weight loss, these diets likewise call for significant reductions in caloric intake. During the 14-day version of the diet, you drop caloric intake to 800 calories, which is much lower than the minimum 1,200 calories recommended by nutritionists for diets without medical supervision. These diets are not nutritionally balanced, according to the experts at DietsInReview.com. As with most fad diets that promote rapid weight loss, the effect is likely to be short-term. You are likely to quickly regain the weight lost once you stop the diet, notes MayoClinic.com.

Warning

If you take certain medications, consuming grapefruit juice can be dangerous. The metabolic system in your body called cytochrome p450 helps to break down numerous drugs in your intestines before they get absorbed. Grapefruit interferes with this process, resulting in greater amounts of these drugs reaching circulation. Since the blood levels of the drugs are higher, any toxic or therapeutic effects may be intensified. Check with a doctor for potential interactions before trying a grapefruit juice diet. Some drugs that grapefruit juice interacts with include anti-anxiety, antidepressant, anti-arrhythmia, antihistamine, calcium channel blocker, anti-seizure, statin and immunosuppressant medications.

Meal Plan

A typical meal plan for a grapefruit juice diet includes 8 oz. of grapefruit, two eggs and two slices of bacon for breakfast. For lunch you have 8 oz. of juice, salad and meat. Dinner consists of another 8 oz. of juice, salad or cooked vegetables and meat or fish along with one cup coffee or tea. Your snack is an 8-oz. glass of milk or tomato juice. You are allowed to have dressing on your salad.