Fad diets threaten health of the young

Fad diets that promise weight-loss miracles could increase health risks, particularly amongst the young, according to new research. The Dairy Council, an American association, found that new diets are leaving out milk and dairy products entirely and as a consequence damaging health.
The problems are thought to be particularly acute amongst teenage girls, who latch on to fad diets in the pursuit of size zero figures. Cutting out dairy products could lead to an increased risk of osteoporosis in later life.
A team of researchers in the United States found that reducing milk led to severe depletion of calcium and bone mineral content. The director of the Dairy Council, Judith Bryans, reportedly commented: “Adolescence is a critical period for laying the foundation for future bone health as at least 90% of peak bone mass is achieved by 18 years of age. Milk and dairy foods are one of the best sources of bone building nutrients such as calcium, phosphorous and protein in the diet . Therefore, avoiding dairy without adequately replacing the nutrients it provides could have a serious impact on bone health.”