- Rebel Wilson is reportedly following the Mayr Method, a program that claims to improve gut health.
- The Cats star declared 2020 her "Year of Health" and has kept fans updated on her fitness and nutrition progress via Instagram.
- Amy Gorin, M.S., R.D.N., spoke to us about the efficacy of the Mayr Method and noted mixed feelings.
If you've been following Rebel Wilson on Instagram, you probably know that she's declared 2020 her "Year of Health." The actress has been hitting the gym six to seven days a week and sharing lots of updates on Instagram.
As for her diet, according to People, Wilson is using the Mayr Method, a restrictive program that claims to achieve weight loss by improving gut health. In June, People reported that it was after Wilson and friends visited VivaMayr, an Austrian luxury medical detox and wellness center, that she learned about the Mayr Method and now aims to weigh 165 lbs.
Although People's source said Wilson has achieved "amazing results" with the Mayr Method, is it actually healthy? We spoke with a dietitian for answers.
What is the Mayr Method?
The Mayr Method is based on the "Mayr Cure," created by Austrian physician Franz Xaver Mayr, M.D. (also known as F.X. Mayr) 100 years ago. Mayr created the program based on his belief that people are poisoning their digestive systems with the foods they consume and how they eat them.
"There are four pillars of treatment involved with this diet, and they include exercise, nutrition, medicine, and awareness," says Amy Gorin, M.S., R.D.N., a registered dietitian in the New York City area. "The modern take on it is offered at VivaMayr, a luxury wellness facility."
According to VivaMayr's website, the facility: "combines modern complementary medicine with traditional diagnostics and therapies according to F.X. Mayr." It goes on to say that "once we have treated your condition, proper nutrition combined with exercise and improved mental awareness become the building blocks of your new life." VivaMayr also has a book, called The Viva Mayr Diet, which promises common wellness buzzwords like a bikini body, flatter stomach, glowing skin, and springy step.
How does the Mayr Method work?
The nutrition portion of the program focuses on gut health. "The diet is centered around stopping snacking, reducing intake of gluten and dairy, and chewing foods for a longer amount of time," Gorin explains. "The eating plan is focused on high-alkaline whole foods."
The Mayr Method kicks off with a sugar and caffeine detox and advises very specific eating practices like chewing each bite of food 40-60 times. "You are also supposed to focus on mindfulness while you eat, which means no reading, talking, or playing with your smartphone," Gorin says.
Is the Mayr Method healthy?
Gorin says there isn't enough information available outside of visiting VivaMayr to assess whether or not you should give it a try. "But what I will say is that I've seen clients do best when they focus on the health benefits of eating well and weight management and not primarily goals such as getting a 'bikini body,'" she says.
The Viva Mayr Diet: 14 Days to a Flatter Stomach and a Younger You
Although Gorin praises the diet's focus on mindfulness, she's not sold on the alkaline aspect of the program. "A healthy body does a terrific job of managing the pH levels of your blood on its own," she says. "That doesn't change with the pH levels of the foods you eat and the beverages you drink. However, foods that are typically considered alkaline tend to be healthier and less processed such as many fruits and vegetables, nuts, and legumes."
The bottom line
You'd have to visit a VivaMayr center or buy The Viva Mayr Diet in order to experience this program—but there's not enough research to know if it's effective or even healthy.
Ultimately, Gorin says a whole-foods, plant-based diet is best for long-term weight loss. "It's sustainable, helps you to feel energized, and doesn't completely restrict any foods you love," she says. "Mindful eating and mindfulness-related activities such as yoga and meditation are also helpful in becoming more in touch with hunger levels, feelings, and so on."
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Currently an assistant editor at Prevention.com, Nicol is a Manhattan-based journalist who specializes in health, wellness, beauty, fashion, business, and lifestyle. Her work has appeared in Women’s Health, Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, Houston Chronicle, Business Insider, INSIDER, Everyday Health, and more. When Nicol isn't writing, she loves trying new workout classes, testing out the latest face mask, and traveling. Follow her on Instagram for the latest on health, wellness, and lifestyle.
