Facts About Diet Fads

From Atkins to sleeping beauty, there are hundreds of diets out there, but how much do we really know about them?

- Rose Goodman

We’re all familiar with relying on ‘trendy’ diets that promise fast weight loss. In fact, the average Brit will try 126 diets in their lifetime. Usually, the diet goal may be to shed those extra pounds for a forthcoming event or to feel more confident in a bikini, but with the majority of us quitting after just six days, what is it about these often ‘fad’ diets that makes it so difficult for us to stay on track? Here, our experts talk us through what exactly fad diets are, and why they’re perhaps not the best approach to losing weight.

WHAT ARE DIET FADS?

Generally, fad diets require drastic changes, and usually promise rapid weight loss through an extreme calorie deficit.

WHAT DO THEY ENTAIL?

‘While there are some basic facts that back up these diets, pretty much every fad diet is based on a calorie deficit, but ignores the long-term lifestyle changes that need to be made for sustainable weight loss, such as getting enough exercise and eating a balanced diet (a combination of carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats),’ says David Wiener, training specialist at AI-powered fitness and lifestyle coaching app Freeletics.

WHY THEY MIGHT NOT BE GOOD FOR YOU?

‘Cutting out carbohydrates and fats can make you deficient in certain nutrients, causing you to feel tired, irritable and miserable,’ says Jane Clarke, dietician and founder of Nourish (nourish by janeclarke.com). ‘Instead of cutting out foods, you could add a healthy option to meals every few days – some omega-rich oily fish, an extra serving of vitamin and fibre-packed vegetables, or some gut-boosting wholegrains,’ she says.

WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES?

NUTRIENT DEFICIENCIES