OUR VIEW: Exercise beats low-carb diets

Fad diets may be making everyone more depressed.

A new study released by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology states that diets limiting the number of carbohydrates result in a loss of a key brain chemical called serotonin. A lack of the chemical may cause mood swings or deep depression.

Add one more reason to stay away from diet crazes hailing from Atkins or South Beach. More negatives are definitely not making a positive.

Sure the temporary loss of weight may look great for a moment, but the long-term effects are devastating. The Food and Drug Administration hasn’t yet confirmed any good or bad effects from following these diets for a long time. And while preliminary studies have confirmed the weight loss, side effects like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, kidney problems and depression are making a strong case to avoid the diets.

What happened to the good old-fashioned food pyramid and exercise? The reason the United States is loosening its belt is due to laziness, not eating bread – a major source of energy. A nice jog in the park and well-rounded meal, including bread, could do wonders for the average overweight person. It is just a matter of getting out and doing it.

Even fast-food restaurants have jumped on the bandwagon. A balanced meal does not mean super-sizing the fries and drink while cutting the bun. Ground beef wrapped in lettuce is not a hamburger; it’s a mess.

It may take longer and use a lot more effort, but eating right and exercising is still the best way to stay on top of the weight loss world.