Gaga's Drunk Diet Could Kill

Lady Gaga recently sparked controversy by claiming she follows The Drunk Diet, a diet that promotes regular alcoholic consumption as a way to get fit. Now there is evidence her slimming routine could be deadly.

According to Spinner.com, Stereophonics drummer Stuart Cable reportedly died after following a 'vodka diet', which he believed would help him lose weight. His girlfriend at the time, Rachel Jones, says that he made the switch to vodka because it contained fewer calories.

Jones died after choking on his own vomit--a consequence of his 'drunk diet'. But this isn't the only way this diet can kill.

Why the Drunk Diet Can Kill

We all know the temporary dangerous of drinking-dizziness, bad decision making, dehydration-but few of us know about its long term consequences. Although Lady Gaga claims it helps keep her physique trim, its consequences may outweigh its benefits.

According to About.com, binge drinking can actually increase your risk for metabolic syndrome-the range of diseases that are commonly associated with too much body fat. People who commonly binge drink are more likely to develop heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes, three health problems that have deadly consequences.

In fact, there is even evidence that binge drinking can cause people to accumulate more fat around the stomach, which actually makes it an unhealthy lifestyle choice if you want to lose weight (and fat).

Following an alcoholic diet can also lead to liver damage, if alcohol is used in excess. According to a 2007 study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, people who drank more than 60 grams of alcohol per day were more likely to develop liver cancer--a cancer that can be hard to treat. A drunk diet could kill by damaging and eventually increasing the risk for cancer in the liver.

And there are the immediate dangers of drinking in excess. Drinking too much could lead to alcohol poisoning, which can lead to seizures, changes in heartbeat, and sometimes irreversible brain damage. If you're like Cable, you could also pass out and choke on your own vomit. He isn't the only celebrity to die from alcohol-induced asphyxiation-it also killed Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham.

Although Gaga may endorse following an alcoholic diet, 'drunk' diets could kill, both in the short and long term. It's also very questionable if this diet can promote weight loss. Want to lose weight? Stick to a healthy eating plan instead.

Sources:

Andrew Kerr, "Former Stereophonics Drummer Stuart Cable Killed by 'Vodka Diet'" (Spinner.com)
Buddy T, "Binge Drinking Linked to Metabolic Syndrome Risks" (About.com)