Kimkins Diet Back in the News and Not Because People Want to Lose Weight

The Kimkins Diet came onto the scene in 2000. The diet is a low carb and a low calorie plan that is said to help you lose weight fast without pills, surgery, or exercise. Founded by Heidi Diaz, an obese 300-pound woman, she struggled to lose weight successfully. The diet consists of low carbs, fat, fiber, and calories, similar to the old version of the Atkins Diet. She claimed to have lost 198 pounds in one year and kept it off for several years. However, none of this has turned out to be true.

After several of the customers became severely ill, investigations have been conducted for fraud. Heidi, who went by the name of "Kimmer" until she "came clean" on her website, is not a nutrition expert or health advisor in any way. She doesn't discuss the possible health problems that can occur from not receiving essential fats and nutrients your body needs to function and stay strong. This is in all reality a starvation diet. After depriving the body of so many calories, basic survival kicks in and weight loss isn't just fat you're losing, muscles begin to breakdown as well. She also suggests to take laxitives in place of fiber or fiber supplements. Taken regularly, this is technically another form of an eating disorder.

Investigations have been underway, possibly causing a class-action lawsuit. She has not had any proof that the diet works, not even on herself. She's claimed to have banned members, who paid money, for not agreeing with her viewpoints. She also has encouraged several customers to keep going on the diet, despite an already low calorie intake.