According to the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University, most of the people who reach for gluten-free products don’t have celiac disease and or even a sensitivity to wheat.
“The market for gluten-free products is exploding. Why? Because many people have bought into the hype that a gluten-free diet is healthier,” said Peter H.R. Green, MD.
In fact, it isn’t healthier. For people with celiac disease, a gluten-free diet is essential. But for others, “Unless people are very careful, a gluten-free diet can lack vitamins, minerals, and fiber that is essential to a persons health,” says Green.
Green says that it seems like just about everyone you “run” into claims to be gluten intolerant. However, only one percent of the U.S population suffers from celiac disease.
A gluten-free diet is nothing more than a fad diet and food retailers have made billions by capitalizing on the weakness of those so eager to shed a few pounds.
“While eating gluten-free is extremely important for those with celiac disease, it should be noted it is not an actual weight loss diet. Sure, going gluten free has its benefits of lowering inflammation and bloating, which by proxy will reduce a few pounds. However, many overweight people without a gluten sensitivity, should really consider a different approach to get results,” said Debora Donahue, ARNP-BC, CHT, owner of Symphony Healthcare in Ocala, Florida.
No one should be discouraged from trying a gluten-free diet, because many people say they have never felt better after doing so; but if you desire weight loss results, clinically, gluten-free is not the method that should be used.