The Cambridge Diet: Frequently Asked Questions

With obesity rates rising, many are searching for an easy and reliable way to lose weight. The market for weight-loss products is overloaded with supplements, diet shakes and calorie counters, making it difficult to choose the product that is right for your needs. Before embarking on a weight loss plan, such as The Cambridge Diet, it is important to learn as much as possible by seeking the answers to a few basic questions.

What Is It?

• The Cambridge Diet replaces meals with shakes.

  The Cambridge Diet, developed in the 1970s by Dr. Howard of Cambridge University, strives to provide all the nutrition the human body needs in the fewest calories possible. This is achieved through the use of diet shakes, bars and other products to replace meals.

  The original version of The Cambridge Diet was called the 330, and consisted of three 110-calorie shakes, equaling 330 calories for an entire day. A newer version of this formula has since been released, called the 420 because each shake now has 140 calories, equaling 420 for an entire day. In addition to shakes, bars are also available. While the diet is based upon the idea that participants only consume three shakes or bars, the diet can be modified so that individuals include a healthy meal of no more than 400 calories, to consist of a healthy lean protein and vegetable. Caffeinated beverages are prohibited, although diet soda is allowed.

Does It Work?

• The Cambridge Diet does work, with some participants losing hundreds of pounds while on the program. However, because this diet does not teach nutrition, participants who go off the plan may find that they gain weight when they begin eating regularly.

How Much Can I Lose?

• The Cambridge Diet encourages rapid weight loss.

  According to Cambridgediet.org, participants who drink only the shakes and do not include an additional meal can expect to lose anywhere from 4 to 7 pounds a week. Those who include a healthy meal of approximately 400 calories should lose anywhere from 2 to 4 pounds weekly. Since this diet can be altered to accommodate every individual, the number of pounds lost each week can vary greatly.

Is It Safe?

• Consult with your doctor before beginning a restricted calorie diet.

  There is much debate concerning the risks involved with The Cambridge Diet. WebMD notes that restrictive calorie diets in general are safe when the participant is supervised by a doctor; however, The Cambridge Diet does not require medical supervision. In addition, using a low-calorie diet for a long period of time can result in gallbladder problems, as well as nausea and diarrhea.