Diets that emphasize whole foods with nutritious content tend to focus more heavily on those options than on processed meat, added sugars or packaged snacks.
GOLO claims that its supplement, Release, can regulate insulin levels and boost metabolism. Their website even highlights some research they’ve financially supported.
Dieters with restricted diets or limited access to healthy food choices may find it challenging to adhere to this diet plan long-term, potentially leading to nutritional deficiencies and leading to nutritional deficits.
What is GOLO?
The GOLO Diet is an online weight loss program consisting of both a diet and its accompanying supplement, the GOLO Release Supplement. The diet seeks to assist users in losing weight by encouraging nutrient-dense whole foods as part of its healthy eating guidelines, encouraging regular exercise, limiting processed food, and tailoring it according to individual dietary needs and preferences. According to its website, this plan can also be customized specifically for you! It contains three minerals and seven plant-based ingredients which work to boost metabolism while supporting liver and digestive function – as well as combat insulin resistance which causes your body to store excess sugar as fat!
GOLO claims its program is safe and effective for long-term use; however, they have not provided any independent research to back their claims. Many studies funded by them on their Release supplement may have biased results; consequently the website of GOLO warns consumers to consult a physician or dietician prior to beginning or taking the Supplement during their diet program or before taking Release Supplement if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Though most experts consider the GOLO diet safe for most individuals, some professionals have voiced reservations regarding some of its supplements and nutritional advice. Its eating plan recommends restricting certain food groups such as grains and legumes – while this may seem beneficial at first, many find it challenging to follow for the long term – furthermore it doesn’t provide guidance for reintroducing them after dieting is complete.
The goal of the GOLO diet is to offer a low-caloric, high-protein meal plan. Studies have proven this type of diet leads to long-term weight loss when combined with physical activity and healthy lifestyle habits; furthermore, this diet promotes consumption of nutrient-dense whole foods essential for overall health maintenance – an attractive solution for anyone hoping to shed unwanted weight safely and sustainably.
How does GOLO work?
The GOLO Plan relies on hormones to control appetite, metabolism and weight loss. Insulin is said to impede weight loss by storing fat and slowing metabolism; by following their recommended eating plan and purchasing their GOLO Release pills each month from them, this company claims that you can balance out your hormones to reduce hunger while burning off body fat more efficiently.
This diet emphasizes whole foods and encourages moderate exercise while discouraging calorie-controlled shakes or bars and other highly processed foods, in an attempt to move away from toxic “diet industry” mentalities that promote restriction and meal replacement use. Furthermore, this plan suggests meal serving ratios, and suggests spending one or two hours each week prepping and packing your food for the week ahead.
GOLO provides more than meal plans and recipes – it also offers resources that make family dining easier. Recipes are designed for vegan and vegetarian diets as well as Kosher/Halal compliance, plus there’s even a nutritionist and coach on site to assist in any challenges along the way!
GOLO offers several plans that range in cost depending on how much weight you want to shed and your commitment level to dieting. Each starter kit contains the GOLO Release supplement as well as myGolo, a meal planning and coaching app; or you can purchase Release separately.
According to the company, most customers begin experiencing results within four weeks on the GOLO diet and its GOLO Release pill; however, further research needs to be completed on these treatments to ascertain if they can help people achieve long-term weight loss.
Rumsey emphasizes that, although GOLO offers studies demonstrating its effectiveness, many are funded by them and may contain bias. Furthermore, most are small scale or short term so cannot extrapolate results to larger groups or prove its success over time.
Does GOLO work for me?
The GOLO diet may not be an appropriate solution for many, especially those who have experienced disordered eating or medical conditions that restrict diet calorie consumption, like anorexia or medically complex medical conditions such as cancer. The restricted and low-calorie diet could promote unhealthy eating patterns and lead to nutritional deficiencies; plus it contains herbs that could interact with prescription medications; additionally it’s not safe for diabetics due to potential interactions between dietary supplements and their medications affecting insulin levels.
GOLO claims to assist weight loss by helping regulate blood sugar and alter hormones; however, research supporting their claims is questionable as many of the studies listed on their website were paid for by them and do not adhere to strict peer-review protocols.
Although many experts remain sceptical of GOLO programs, some believe they may help some individuals lose weight. Any significant weight loss would only occur if an individual consumed less calories than they burned off each day.
The GOLO diet promotes a plant-based, whole food diet without processed ingredients, with emphasis placed on home cooking rather than meal replacement shakes or bars for ease of preparation. Overall, its concept echoes other popular health diets like Paleo and Mediterranean Diets.
As part of its marketing of its supplement, GOLO also provides an interactive feature on its website to assist users in determining if they may have metabolic hormone dysfunction. While this feature should not be used as a diagnostic tool for health conditions, health professionals recommend visiting a physician or registered dietitian to get a full analysis of your metabolic hormones.
GOLO emphasizes the importance of getting enough protein and essential fatty acids as part of its weight-loss plan, to preserve muscle mass during weight loss. While some individuals may see short-term success with GOLO diet, its nonsustainability could result in nutritional deficiencies as well as muscle loss that reduces energy and speeds metabolism – slow metabolism can make maintaining healthy weight even harder; also excessive caloric reduction often results in more fat than lean muscle loss, making regain an easier task.
Is GOLO safe?
The GOLO diet promotes eating whole, nutrient-rich foods like fruits and vegetables, lean protein and healthy fats such as nuts. The plan encourages moderate exercise. An American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine study from 2022 suggested that following this approach may reduce heart disease, cancer and type 2 diabetes risks; also its dietary changes have been known to enhance metabolism and hasten weight loss.
GOLO’s website displays several customer testimonials in which customers claim the program and supplements have helped them lose weight, as well as references studies conducted by them that evaluated GOLO Release pill’s effectiveness – though those studies conducted were conducted by them and are therefore non-independent, raising concerns over their accuracy. A lack of high-quality research for any diet or supplement should always raise a red flag.
Though GOLO claims its diet will help balance hormones and overcome insulin resistance are tempting, evidence to support its promises remains scant. For maximum benefits, they recommend you consume 1,300-1.500 Calories each day across three meals (plus the GOLO Release pill), though this may be too little for some individuals if they’re used to eating nutritiously-rich diets in the past.
Due to its high fiber intake, the GOLO plan may cause temporary stomach distress. This diet focuses on eating foods high in both soluble and insoluble fiber like legumes, nuts, whole grains, and fruit – it is best to consult your physician prior to beginning any new diet involving high fiber supplements.
GOLO claims their supplement is compatible with most medications, yet you should always consult your physician before beginning any diet or taking new medication. Because GOLO plans aim at decreasing insulin sensitivity, it is especially crucial that diabetics and those taking medication for them consult with their doctors first before beginning. Furthermore, outside experts remain skeptical of GOLO’s claims regarding its release pill reducing insulin usage as well.