What is the feeding tube diet?
This new craze is popular among some brides desperately looking to loose some pounds before their wedding day. These women are healthy. There is no medical reason for them to have a feeding tube inserted by a medical doctor. Over the course of ten days they eat nothing while the feeding tube supplies them with 800 calories of carbohydrate free nutrients. The result is up to 20 pounds of weight loss. The body is essentially put into a state of ketosis. Ketosis is when the body burns fat instead of carbohydrates. Obviously we want to burn fat but not at the expense of going into ketosis. Ketosis can have detrimental effects on the kidneys and liver.
What are the effects?
As mentioned, one effect is ketosis. Losing weight to fit into a wedding dress is not a real goal. This diet does not address a lifestyle change. It simply gives a “way out” which will result in possibly gaining even more weight once eating is resumed. It also reinforces the notion that skinny at all costs is acceptable. In addition, what does this say of a doctor who would give a patient a nasogastric tube to lose weight rather than a brief education on healthy ways to loose weight for the long term? Do we seriously live in a world where losing weight is more important than health and medical ethics?
What do I think?
I think if you are considering this method you need to consider seeing someone about emotional issues. I understand the desperation involved in losing weight. I know the shame in feeling the fat around your body and not wanting to see people you haven’t seen in years. I am no stranger to feeling like a little sacrifice of health is worth reaching my goal. I know the draw to go on a fad diet. However, I urge you to not sacrifice your health to fit into a smaller size. It may take time and hard work but you can lose weight healthfully. Look, you know I’m right and you know better. Let’s do better. Let’s not allow this mindset that thin at any cost is acceptable any more!