A new food trend is taking social media by storm, but experts are warning against its potentially dangerous and unscientific approach. The “Dracula’s diet,” which has gained popularity on TikTok, is causing concern for its extreme calorie restriction and promises of rapid weight loss.
This diet, primarily targeted at teenagers, advocates for a drastically reduced calorie intake ranging from 200 to 700 calories per day. The promise of losing 7 kilos in 7 days may seem appealing to some, but the diet fails to provide clear instructions on which foods to consume or the appropriate proportions of macronutrients.
The Dracula diet’s harmful and restrictive regime is raising red flags among health professionals. The caloric intake varies daily, starting with 300 calories on day one, increasing to 700 on day three, and then decreasing again. This pattern, which ends with a day of liquids only, is deemed inadequate and risky. According to the Guidelines for the Reference Intake of the Italian Population (LARN), an adolescent needs approximately 2,500 kcal per day. The Dracula diet offers a caloric intake that does not even meet the needs of a one-year-old child.
In addition to being inadequate for supporting daily activities, the extreme calorie restriction poses risks to health. The promised weight loss is illusory, as most of the weight lost is lean tissue and body water, rather than fat. This can lead to rapid weight regain, potentially damaging metabolism in the long term.
The dangers of the Dracula diet are not limited to physical health. Messages promoting such extreme diets can also have detrimental effects on mental health, potentially leading to the development of eating disorders. It is crucial to emphasize that there is no “one size fits all” approach to weight loss, and individuals should seek guidance from a nutrition professional to address their unique nutritional needs based on their physical and health conditions.
Instead of following dangerous and unscientific fad diets like Dracula’s, experts recommend adopting a balanced diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes a mix of nutrients and moderate consumption. It is essential to promote food and nutrition education and emphasize the importance of a balanced and scientifically based approach to diet and general well-being, especially among young and impressionable audiences. Viral diet trends like the Dracula diet can be deceptive and harmful, and it is essential to prioritize education and evidence-based nutrition practices to maintain overall health and well-being.