The phrase "fad diets" typically refers to diets that promote a restricted eating-plan which is unhealthy and/or lacking in sufficient calories. Certain liquid-only diets (fasts) are promoted as healthful diets but in reality are merely fad diets. Common examples of fad diets include, the Cabbage Soup Diet and the Grapefruit Diet.

Do Fad Diets Work?

Depends what you mean by "work." Any very-low-calorie diet will cause weight loss in most people. Since most fad diets are very low in calories they typically cause quite fast weight loss. However, quick weight loss may not be healthy and - in most cases - is not fat loss. It is usually mostly water-loss which is quickly regained when the dieter resumes normal eating.

Fad Diets Are Short Term Diet Plans

Most fad diets are typically short-term diet plans. Not only are they low in calories but their menus are likely to be monotonous and lacking in adequate nutrition. Some fad diets are designed to last no more than a few days - as if a 2 or 3 day diet program is likely to help solve a weight problem!!

Fad Diets With "Special" Fat-Burning or "Negative Calorie" Foods

Some fad diets claim to contain special "fat-burning" or "negative calorie" diet foods. Unfortunately, there is no clinical evidence that foods have these special properties.

Fad Diets Can Cause Weight Cycling

Fad dieting can sometimes lead to weight-cycling or yo-yo dieting - that is, weight loss, followed by regain, followed by weight loss then regain etc. New research suggests that such weight cycling may lead to obesity.

List of Fad Diets

Other Fad Diet Contenders

Other Definitions of a Fad Diet

Some nutritionists define a fad diet by a series of questions rather than assessing popularity:

• Recommendations that promise a quick fix
• Dire warnings of dangers from a single product or regimen
• Claims that sound too good to be true
• Simplistic conclusions drawn from a complex study
• Recommendations based on a single study
• Dramatic statements that are refuted by reputable scientific organizations
• Lists of "good" and "bad" foods
• Recommendations made to help sell a product
• Recommendations based on studies published without review by other researchers
• Recommendations from studies that ignore differences among individuals or groups
• Eliminated one or more of the five food groups

How Do I Spot a Fad Diet?

While there is no set approach to identifying a fad diet, many have the following characteristics:

• Recommendations that promise a quick fix.
• Dire warnings of dangers from a single product or regimen.
• Claims that sound too good to be true.
• Simplistic conclusions drawn from a complex study.
• Recommendations based on a single study or testimonials.
• Dramatic statements that are refuted by reputable scientific organizations.
• Lists of 'good' and 'bad' foods.
• Recommendations made to help sell a product.
• Recommendations based on studies published without review by other researchers.
• Recommendations from studies that ignore differences among individuals or groups.
• Eliminating 1 or more of the 5 food groups.

Devoting yourself to a lifestyle that includes exercise and eating a proper diet with moderate portions is still the best method to lose weight and to keep it off. Most people who make the change from a typical high-fat diet and sedentary lifestyle to one that follows a diet based on the recommended food pyramid will slowly and safely lose weight.

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