Shane Warne, who died from natural causes on Friday, had reportedly been on a liquid diet for 14 days in an effort to lose weight quickly. Friends said he had tried the regime several times before, though there is no evidence it was linked to his death.
Liquid diets, which range from fruit and vegetable juice cleanses to low-calorie shakes, aim to reduce calorie intake rapidly. However, experts warn they carry health risks and are unsuitable for most people.
The NHS recommends its 800-calorie-a-day diet only for specific groups, such as those managing type-2 diabetes, and it requires medical supervision. Other liquid diets often lack essential nutrients. “Juice diets appeal to people because they want a quick fix, but dieting is really hard,” said Aisling Pigott of the British Dietetic Association.
Potential side effects include headaches, dizziness, tiredness, diarrhoea, and constipation. Long-term risks include anaemia, muscle loss, and gall stones. “You’d feel drained and exhausted after a week,” said Dr Gail Rees of the University of Plymouth.
Experts highlight the “yo-yo effect” and “weight cycling” as common issues with crash diets. Dr Simon Steenson of the British Nutrition Foundation advised: “Aim for a varied, balanced diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables, and whole grains, and find ways to stay active.”
