Experts Caution Against Extreme Cabbage Diet Trend Popular in US Government

The cabbage diet has recently gained popularity after reports revealed that the US Vice President and other senior officials adopted it, sparking renewed interest on social media. Proponents claim it helps reduce belly fat and promotes rapid weight loss, but nutrition experts warn the reality is more complex.

Inbal Katz Friedlander, a regional dietitian at Clalit Health Services in central Israel, explains that cabbage is nutritionally beneficial, containing about 92% water, only 25 calories per 100 grams, and providing fiber, vitamins C, K, B-complex, and various minerals. Fermented forms like sauerkraut and kimchi also offer probiotics that support gut health and immunity.

However, Katz Friedlander stresses there is no scientific evidence that cabbage alone targets belly fat. Initial rapid weight loss on the diet mainly results from fluid loss and glycogen depletion due to calorie restriction, not fat burning. Excessive cabbage intake can cause digestive discomfort such as bloating and gas because of its high fiber content.

The updated version of the diet, which includes fermented cabbage alongside salty cheeses and fatty meats, may contain high levels of sodium and saturated fat, potentially raising blood pressure, straining kidneys, and harming heart health. Katz Friedlander concludes that while cabbage is a healthy food to include daily, sustainable weight loss requires a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle rather than extreme diets promising quick results.