Dr Bernstein Diet

The Philosophy

Lose an average of 16-20 pounds in one month by burning off stored body fat. Participants follow a very low energy (calorie) diet supplemented with 3 injections/week of vitamin B6 and B12. They must also visit the clinic several times per week to get evaluated by medical personnel. Based on Dr. Bernstein's health and diet clinic.

Our View

Does it meet the basic food groups? No. This diet includes 2.5 food groups out of 4: no dairy and very little grain products are allowed.

What about balance and variety? Participants are allowed 2 servings per day from each of Dr. Bernstein's designated food categories: bread substitutes, protein, vegetable an fruit. Appropriate balance in food choices is not promoted within the grain category. Dr. Bernstein provides a comprehensive list of foods that are and are not acceptable which does allow for minimal variety.

Risks? This diet does not meet total daily energy (calorie) requirements. The body needs the appropriate amount of energy for safe, long-term weight loss. Carbohydrates are especially limited in this plan. This diet supposedly sets the energy intake 800-900 calories which is not safe; moreover, the sample meal plan chosen does not even meet the previously outlined energy recommendation. This diet is very restrictive.

Our Comments

• Advocates of the Dr. Bernstein diet overlook that the brain needs a minimum of 150g of carbohydrate intake per day. In this case, the sample diet provides only 55g which is dangerously low.
• Despite Dr. Bernstein's claim, on this type of low calorie diet, the body may degrade lean muscle mass to make up for its requirements in carbohydrate (i.e. glucose) that the brain needs. To spare and protect lean muscle mass, the body needs appropriate amounts of carbohydrates and 1 gram or protein per kg of body weight. We don't want to lose lean muscle mass: it gives us power and keeps us healthy longer.
• Drastic restrictions of carbohydrate intake lead to the production of chemicals called ketones. These are released into the bloodstream and may cause headaches, dizzy spells, fatigue, nausea and bad breath. If symptoms occur, these are definite signs there is something wrong.
• Dr. Bernstein promotes 4-5 pounds of weight loss per week; however, safe weight loss is categorized by one pound/week. Rapid weight loss, as in this plan, will more probably be a result of muscle and water loss and minimal fat. Once a diet of this nature is discontinued there will likely be immediate weight gain.
• Losing weight is important for many reasons, but never at the price of our health.