Why General Diets Are Not As Successful as Personalized Diet Plans
It is indeed strange that despite the numerous diet options available such as Keto, Atkins, Intermittent Fasting, Paleo, and Detox, we are still witnessing an increase in overweight, obesity, chronic diseases, and overall poor health in America; roughly 40% of American adults are obese today. While these diets may result in short-term weight loss, their long-term effects after five, ten, or fifteen years are uncertain. In my opinion as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, these diets are not sustainable in the long run and tend to be too restrictive, leaving individuals dissatisfied with what they can eat. Furthermore, these diets do not consider an individual's unique biology, health history, and lifestyle. It is also essential to note that people's bodies react differently to food, even among twins.
Poor dietary habits may lead to the development of chronic diseases and health issues such as heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer. However, ongoing research helps us understand how our diets affect our health, and adopting a healthier diet can reduce the risk of chronic illnesses. However, people often struggle to follow general health recommendations. To achieve long-term success and genuine health optimization, it is essential to adopt a personalized approach that is tailored to the specific needs of each individual.
According to a study by King’s College London published in MedicalXPress, “…personalized nutrition approaches can improve several key health metrics, including lower weight, lower cholesterol, better mood, improved gut health, lower heart disease risk, and better metabolic health” over their more general diet guideline counterpart. This study involved 347 Americans, with researchers comparing the effects of following an 18-week personalized program to generic US government-issued nutrition advice. As a result of the study, both groups saw improved overall health, but “participants on the personalized diet plan lost more weight than the control group and lowered their triglyceride levels more—decreasing their risk of heart disease.” Participants who adhered to the personalized diet plan also noted a higher frequency of improved mood, twice as often as the control group. Additionally, they were twice as likely to report feeling less hungry, and more than four times more likely to experience better sleep quality and improved energy levels.
Personalized nutrition involves a thorough assessment of an individual's current eating habits to provide a comprehensive nutrition evaluation. A personalized nutrition assessment analyzes all aspects of an individual's food intake, including the timing of meals, preferred food choices, and eating habits. Food preferences are influenced by a variety of factors such as personal likes and dislikes, food allergies, food intolerances, cultural practices, and cooking skills. Research published in the Journal of Personalized Medicine highlighted that diets which take into account individual preferences have higher rates of success.
