Alixandra Cohen, R.D., and Andrew Duffy, NASM-CPT, PES

 Atkins, South Beach, Sugar Busters, The Blood Type Diet, Zone Diet are just a few of the popular diet trends that claim to be the “quick fix” for weight loss, energy, and balance.  There is no shortage of diet books and weight loss products on the market today, and Americans continue to buy into their ideas.  The newest kid on the block - gluten-free diets - has actually been around for a while, but its recent recognition has cast a shadow on its original intention.

Many people have turned to a gluten-free diet for weight loss or for other health related reasons but are not exactly sure why.  The answer? Marketing and popularity.  Big-time celebrities are promoting gluten-free diets as the newest weight loss and “detox” diet.  Thanks to household names like Gwyneth Paltrow and Oprah who claim a gluten-free diet helped them lose weight, this diet has gained significant popularity over the past year.   But is a gluten-free diet the answer to losing those extra 10 to 15 pounds before bathing suit season?  Probably not. 


Gluten-free and Celiacs

Gluten-free diets were originally designed for individuals suffering from celiac disease (CD).  CD is characterized by an immune response to ingested wheat gluten and other related proteins of rye and barley.  For individuals with CD, even the smallest amount of gluten will harm the small intestine. This response over time will cause nutrient malabsorption, serious illnesses, and even early death.  Signs and symptoms of gluten-intolerance include diarrhea, irritability, distended abdomen, easy fatigue, paleness, weight loss, vomiting, and anemia*.  Reportedly, over 3 million people suffer from CD, many of whom remain undiagnosed. 

*It is important to speak with your doctor if you feel you are experiencing any of these uncomfortable symptoms after eating!
 

Gluten-free, and You and Me

So, is safe to go on a gluten-free diet without having celiac disease or gluten intolerance?  For a week, yes, it is safe and will not cause any serious harm to go gluten-free.  But there are some things to consider for the long term.  Gluten-free diets are usually poorly balanced and missing important nutrients such as fiber and folic acid because gluten-free alternatives are often filled with refined, low nutrient foods like flours.

Will you lose weight on this very demanding diet? Yes and no. Any weight loss experienced on this diet is most likely due a decrease in overall calorie and fat intake. By cutting out gluten you will be eliminating high-gluten containing baked goods and other products that are also high in fat.  However, there is no scientific evidence proving that replacing gluten filled products with gluten-free products that contain the same amount of calories will result in weight loss. 

Further, in most American restaurants, you will not find many gluten-free menu items.  Despite its growing popularity, this diet is not very well known, so many chefs and cooks do not understand the complexities of the diet and how to accomodate it.

The Bottom Line on Gluten-free Diets

Unless you are gluten intolerant, experiencing signs and symptoms of gluten intolerance, or have been diagnosed with celiac disease there is no significant health benefit in following a gluten-free diet, especially because there is no existing scientific evidence that links gluten-free foods to weight loss. Although it is not harmful to follow this trend, you may be missing out on important nutrients by following such a strict diet.  A gluten-free diet is not a long-term strategy for weight loss.  Stick with well-balanced meals, portion control, and exercise!

So, while the gluten-free fad is bringing more attention and insight to celiac disease, we feel that this fad diet may very well be just another great marketing scheme.

 



About Alixandra Cohen, R.D.

Graduating from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a Bachelors of Science in Nutrition, Alixcontinued to Central Washington University and completed the dietetic internship program in July 2009.  She also competed as a Division I scholar athlete for Cal Poly Women’s Soccer.  She currently lives in San Francisco and works as a clinical dietitian. 

 


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