A new diet endorsed by Beyoncé could be “dangerous”, a nutritionist has revealed.
The 22 day diet was originally created back in 2013, but popularised when the singer followed it in preparation for her comeback appearances at last year’s Coachella.
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Now, the British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine have said that following the diet could have serious implications.
Speaking on BBC’s Victoria Derbyshire show, nutritionist Daniel O’Shaughnessy says the diet could lead to “nutritional deficiencies”.
The diet became popularised when a promotional video for the plan was released on Beyoncé’s YouTube channel last month. It opens with footage of her stepping onto scales before saying that body weight is “every woman’s worst nightmare”.
The singer says her diet requires “no bread, no carbs, no sugar, no dairy, no meat, no fish, no alcohol… and I’m hungry”.
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O’Shaughnessy has questioned the nutritional value of the diet, with it supplying 1,400 calories, well below the recommended daily average of 2,500 for men and 2,000 for women.
“This is quite low for anyone, users will feel tired and exhausted particularly when adding in the exercise,” the nutritionist said.
“It could be dangerous for the average person to follow without a team of nutritionists and trainers like Beyoncé has.”
“Beyoncé is selling a dream,” he continued. “This is worrying as she has a number of teenage followers who are easily susceptible. She is a gateway to millions of people.”
The music industry can be one fucked up place. Why does @Beyonce think it’s ok to post videos and information about her diet plan to young fans who see her as influential and a big influence. Young people who could be tempted to follow her diet and potentially harm themselves?
— Adam – Bad Bat Records (@BadBatRecords) August 8, 2019
#VictoriaLIVE The substance of Beyonce's diet looks like the kind of stuff you'd scrape off of the bottom of a parrots cage! Eat some real food Woman!
— H?YLEY (@NotASubjectAmI) August 8, 2019
Is anyone really going to take a 'diet' with nachos in it seriously? #Beyonce #joke #VictoriaLIVE
— Shikamoo Harlequin (@shikaharlequin) August 8, 2019
In a statement, the singer’s trainer and creator of the diet, Marco Borges, said: “Beyoncé used a combination of a whole food plant-based diet and daily exercise as part of her discipline and hard work in order to reach her personal goals in preparation for her Coachella performance…
“She achieved her goals successfully and was able to show up and give 100% for a performance which required nothing less. She continues to be mindful of the importance of proper nutrition and exercise as part of a healthy and happy lifestyle. We applaud her and are humbled by her courage to share her journey with others.”