Do fad diets work?

Yes and NO. Fad diets, when followed a fad diet usually will promote weight loss and a lot of it in a shorter period of time. The problem with fad diets is that they generally don’t last, most often because they are too restrictive, and unrealistic to follow for a long period of time. Once off the diet the lost weight is gained back and then some. This is because when someone loses weight quickly they lose more muscle than fat which slows the metabolism, and makes it easier to gain the weight.

No. Plain and simple. I don't know of anyone who has followed a fad diet and kept off the weight. Rather than follow a diet that could cause harm, identify what is making you eat more food than you need. Just being aware of what and why you eat could increase the likelihood of weight loss.

The short answer: no. Americans spend more than $30 billion annually on weight-loss programs, products, and pills, yet after decades of such spending, there is no quick fix winner in the battle of the bulge. Researchers analyzed close to 200 weight loss studies and concluded that it is the calories, not the composition of the diet, that count when it comes to losing weight. These red flags often tell you if a diet is questionable:

• It's the carbs, not the calories that make you fat! Eliminating broad categories of food (including sweets) can reduce calories consumed, but you're not giving your body access to fiber, phytochemicals, vitamins, and minerals found in plant foods. The high protein content can lead to loss of calcium, increasing risk of osteoporosis.
• Lose 7 pounds in one week! This kind of weight loss usually only occurs in the first few days of a low-carb diet and is temporary due to loss of body water. Ultimate weight loss is determined by calorie imbalance, as with any other weight loss diet.
• Celebrity-endorsed, miracle weight-loss products with a money-back guarantee! Just because a famous person endorses the product doesn't mean it is valid, just that the celebrity is being paid to do what he or she does best: act. The more miraculous the claim, the more likely you are to lose (money, not weight).
• Naturally occurring plants or herbs will help you lose weight without risk! These products are not necessarily safer or more effective for weight loss.

Fad diets may work in the short term, but not usually for long term health. Fad diets usually claim rapid weight loss with very little effort.. Sound too good to be true? They usually are. How do you spot a fad diet? A program that suggests to eliminate whole food groups, such as eliminating all carbohydrates, or fruits, or eating only rice alone. The best way to lose weight and be healthy is to work with a registered dietitian. You can find one at www.eatright.org... good luck!

Fad diets may result in short term weight loss; however, when the diet is over and you go back to eating your previous diet weight gain will occur. Many people find they gain weight and end up weighing more than before they started the diet. When weight is lost quickly, generally fluid, muscle mass and a little fat is lost. When weight is gained after going back to previous eating habits weight is re-gained in fat (not muscle mass.) Often, the only thing a fad diet will lighten is your wallet since they require special foods, potions, or information.

Fad diets are called “fad” for a reason, they will come and go very quickly. In regards to their effectiveness, very rarely will it support long-term weight loss. Some diets will help you lose weight quickly however, keeping the weight off and returning to a normal lifestyle will almost always bring the weight back on, plus some. Instead of moving from one fad diet to the next, focus on healthy weight loss and maintenance. You can do this by eating small frequent meals, focusing on a good balance of nutrients and exercising 30 minutes per day about 5 times per week. This will ensure long-term weight loss success without potentially damaging your body.