Nutritionist reveals the hidden dangers of following celebrity health advice

When it comes to shedding the kilos, the fads celebrities promote might not always be best for your health, warns expert Kathleen Alleaume.

OPINION

Celebrities have become serious power players in everything from politics to fashion to health.

And while their views can be harmless, often they’re not.

In truth, it can be hard to switch off our desire to be like our glossy idols; and this can lead us down a dangerous path, especially when it comes to our health.

So, why are we listening?

Whether you are celeb-obsessed or pretend to turn a blind eye, everyone has a certain predisposition to emulate famous people.

But, is it actually bad to jump on the celeb bandwagon?

I’ve taken a look at some of the more popular health trends and diet fads loved by A-listers – and revealed the pros and cons of each.

Australian nutritionist Kathleen Alleaume says people have a certain predisposition to emulate the famous, which is why celeb diets strike a chord. Picture: Instagram/therightbalance_

RAW VEGAN: MADE POPULAR BY GWYNETH PALTROW

Gwyn’s health empire, GP from GOOP, has brought many left-of-field ideas into the mainstream.

And while her raw-vegan shakes and concoctions cost up to $200, people can’t keep their hands off them.

The raw food trend was popularised for its belief to ease your digestive system and support beneficial enzymes.

However, while it puts emphasis on healthy bites, like raw vegies, fruit and nuts, it also bans critical foods like meat, fish and milk.

Unless you have ethical concerns, completely removing food groups can be lead to nutrient deficiencies if not balanced correctly.

Hollywood celebrity Gynweth Paltrow, who heads up the GOOP wellness empire, is a fan of a raw/vegan style of eating. Picture: Instagram/gwynethpaltrow

MEAL REPLACEMENT: MADE POPULAR BY KATIE PRICE

Shaking away the kilos is nothing new, but celebs have turned meal replacement into a commodity.

Katie Price is just one famous face who sells a range of shakes that promise to trim the fat and support muscle tone.

Some even go so far as to say the added ingredient “satiereal” can combat your urge to snack.

Sound too good to be true? Well, it probably is.

When it comes to supplements, the key is in the name.

They’re intended to complement a well-rounded diet, not replace it. In truth, you’re likely just paying for expensive wee.

English model and media personality Katie Price sells a range of shakes that come with the promise of easy weight loss. Picture: Instagram/katieprice

KETOGENIC: MADE POPULAR BY KIM K

With toned curves as far as the eye can see, surely Kimmy K has the answer to our diet woes.

However, while this high-protein, low-carb diet does wonders for the scales, it’s not without side effects.

Eating no more than 50g of carbs a day opens you up to issues such as low energy, cranky mood and bad breath.

As to whether you can sustain this way of eating for more than two months is another question.

Kim Kardashian’s stunning physique has no doubt served as an inspiration to thousands looking to kickstart a health journey. Picture: Instagram/kimkardashian

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BLOOD TYPE: MADE POPULAR BY SHERYL CROW

Who could ignore Sheryl’s high praise of the diet’s ability to boost her mood and energy?

Apparently, type O’s should opt for high-protein, type A’s are best to cut out dairy and type B’s should steer clear of wheat.

And while some people do well with eating mostly plant-based and little meat (like the type A diet), others thrive eating plenty of high-protein animal foods (like the type O diet).

With this in mind, it may be possible your blood type has nothing to do with how your body responds to food, more it is your metabolic rate.

Put simply, there’s not enough science to prove the idea that your blood type affects your body’s interactions with foods.

Singer Sheryl Crow revamped her diet in 2012 after doctors discovered she had a benign brain tumour. Picture: Instagram/sherylcrowe

THE BOTTOM LINE:

Love your celebs all you like; but leave diet and fitness advice to the “real” experts, preferably degree qualified health professionals (e.g. GPs, nutritionists and dietitians, exercise physiologists).

Finally, it never hurts to go back to basics. You really can’t go past a well-balanced, nutritious diet to achieve holistic health and wellness.

Kathleen Alleaume is a nutritionist and founder of The Right Balance. Follow her @therightbalance.