Since 2009, the GOLO diet has been marketed as the Go Lose Weight diet. Its premise is that hormone imbalances, notably insulin, promote weight gain.
According to the company's website (GOLO did not reply to a request for comment), improperly maintained insulin levels induce fat accumulation and sluggish metabolism.
The GOLO diet helps patients with insulin resistance, says Kate Zeratsky, RD, LD, a registered dietitian nutritionist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. insulin resistance "is a condition in which insulin’s function is impaired, rendering it less effective in transporting glucose (energy) into your body’s muscle, fat and liver cells."
GOLO offers Release, a dietary supplement that "helps optimize" metabolism, to overcome resistance in its program. "The GOLO diet is a commercial weight loss program using supplements and food lists
A nutrition consultant and registered dietitian at Jen Messer Nutrition, "the diet also emphasizes the consumption of whole foods and discourages the consumption of processed foods and refined sugars," states its recommended items.
But experts believe the program's supplement lacks study, and the GOLO diet is "expensive, confusing and difficult to follow."
GOLO diet advantages include a "balanced intake of whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats," explains Messer. "This meal plan provides essential nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and fiber that many Americans lack."
By regulating blood sugar levels and eliminating spikes and crashes with balanced meals, GOLO's philosophy aims to limit cravings and maintain energy levels.
Additionally, the GOLO diet is expensive. GOLO Release supplements cost different amounts, but the company's website says one bottle, $59.95, "lasts most people 30-45 days." Buy two bottles for $99.90 or three for $119.85.
Insulin-resistant people can pay GOLO $479.40 to $719.40 yearly or look at different nutritional supplements, food programs, workouts, or other things that impact insulin levels.
Messer, a dietician, emphasizes the importance of sleep, proper food, stress, and physical exercise, particularly resistance training, in managing hormones like insulin and cortisol.