“Hollywood Diets” and “Celebrity Diets” have no scientific basis

Uniform diet trends that have gained increasing popularity in recent years are bringing serious health risks along with them. The case of actor Ufuk Özkan, who is reportedly awaiting a liver transplant due to improper nutrition, has once again highlighted the severe consequences that uncontrolled and unscientific diets can cause.

Drawing attention to the serious burden that protein and healthy fat deficiencies place on the liver, Hatice Nurseda Hatunoğlu, Instructor and Nutrition Specialist at Üsküdar University Faculty of Health Sciences, stated: “Protein and healthy fats are essential for maintaining metabolic balance. Long-term deprivation of these nutrients can increase fat accumulation in the liver.”

She also noted that excessive fructose intake, particularly in fruit-heavy diets, places additional strain on the liver and may lead to fatty liver disease over time. “This can negatively affect liver health even in the absence of alcohol consumption. Incorrect and unbalanced nutrition can lead to liver diseases, and in severe cases, progress to cirrhosis without any alcohol use,” she explained.

Hatice Nurseda Hatunoğlu, Instructor in the Üsküdar University Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, evaluated the increasingly popular one-size-fits-all diet trends of recent years.

Fruit-only and liquid-based diets are not healthy solutions

Evaluating the growing popularity of one-dimensional diets, Hatunoğlu emphasized that fruit-only, detox, or liquid-based diets may appear to promote rapid weight loss, but they do not provide a healthy or sustainable solution. “Diets based solely on fruit, detox products, or liquids fail to meet the body’s needs for protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals. Although they may lead to short-term weight loss, most of this loss comes from muscle mass and water rather than fat. Once the diet is discontinued, the lost weight is quickly regained. Therefore, these methods do not offer a lasting or healthy solution,” she said.

Marketing diets as “natural” and “clean” is dangerous

Hatunoğlu warned that one of the most dangerous aspects of these diets is how they are marketed using terms such as “natural,” “clean,” or “detoxifying.” “Young people and individuals seeking quick results are particularly vulnerable to these claims. However, a healthy lifestyle is not about focusing on a single food group, but about maintaining balance and variety. When unhealthy diets are normalized under the guise of healthy living, they pave the way for serious long-term health problems,” she noted.

The metabolic cost of a fruit-only diet is high

While acknowledging that fruit is a healthy food group, Hatunoğlu emphasized that it is not sufficient on its own. “A diet consisting solely of fruit leads to excessive fructose intake and blood sugar fluctuations. At the same time, essential nutrients such as vitamin B12, iron, zinc, and essential fatty acids are consumed inadequately. This can result in fatigue, dizziness, impaired concentration, and weakened immunity,” she said.

Liver health can deteriorate silently

Highlighting that liver damage often progresses without obvious symptoms, Hatunoğlu stressed the importance of balanced nutrition and preventive health monitoring. “Protein and healthy fats are crucial for metabolic balance. Long-term deficiency increases the risk of fat accumulation in the liver. Excessive fructose intake, particularly in fruit-dominant diets, places additional stress on the liver and can lead to fatty liver disease over time. This process can occur even without alcohol consumption. Many liver diseases progress silently, and by the time symptoms appear, the condition is often already at an advanced stage. This is why regular, balanced nutrition and preventive health check-ups are vital,” she explained.

A strong immune system requires balance

Hatunoğlu also pointed out that one-sided diets directly weaken the immune system. “A strong immune system requires a balanced intake of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Insufficient protein intake reduces the production of immune cells and antibodies, while a lack of healthy fats disrupts cell membrane integrity and impairs communication between immune cells. Excessive or imbalanced carbohydrate consumption can lead to blood sugar fluctuations that weaken immune responses. In addition, deficiencies in vitamins A, C, and D, as well as minerals such as zinc, iron, and selenium, are common in restrictive diets. These deficiencies increase susceptibility to illness and prolong recovery times. Immunity can only remain strong through dietary diversity and balance,” she said.

Hollywood diets lack scientific credibility

Concluding her remarks, Hatunoğlu emphasized that most diet programs promoted through celebrities lack scientific credibility. “The majority of programs marketed as ‘Hollywood diets’ or ‘celebrity diets’ have no scientific foundation. Sustainable and healthy weight loss requires a personalized, balanced, and long-term nutrition plan. The goal should not be rapid weight loss, but lasting health. Regular meals, adequate protein intake, healthy fats, a balanced consumption of fruits and vegetables, and an active lifestyle are fundamental principles. Nutrition is not a form of punishment; it is a means of supporting the body. Healthy living is achieved not through restrictions, but through balance. The most effective approach is to develop eating habits that are scientifically grounded and tailored to the individual,” she concluded.