How have food manufacturers marketed the gluten-free diet? For what conditions should the gluten-free diet really be used?

Answer 1

Marketing strategies have led people to believe that the gluten-free diet can result in weight loss, improve overall health, and act as a cure for common ailments. However, there is no evidence that replacing a gluten-containing food with a gluten-free food will help someone lose weight. Consuming fewer cakes, cookies, and dinner rolls (products that contain gluten) reduces calorie intake that will lead to weight loss. It is the reduction of calories that yields weight loss, not eliminating gluten from the diet. Gluten-free diets may often be suggested for managing autism, irritable bowel syndrome, and ADHD, but research shows mixed results. The only condition where a totally gluten-free diet is necessary is for celiac sprue disease. Those with gluten sensitivity may benefit from an elimination diet to determine if symptoms can resolve from decreasing gluten intake.