What are fad diets?

Why are they popular instead of being unsafe?

Weight loss is of great concern among today’s generation, especially among youngsters who aspire perfect body shapes as per the assumption of society. The ‘ideal body shape’ expectation in many areas of work, social pressure to look thin and the ‘fear of being missed out in this competitive world often take people to the wrong dietary practices.

According to The American

Dietetic Association, a fad diet is a type of diet that ensures instant weight loss without any need to perform exercise or physical activities but does not rely on clear scientific evidence and is thus considered to be an unsafe diet that can increase the risk of health conditions such as kidney damage, ketosis and disruption of fluid. In this article, we will discuss fad diets in detail. Take a look.

Examples of fad diets

Some of the diet types that can be considered as fad diets include: Ketogenic diet

The Carbohydrate Addict’s Diet

Vegan diet

The Pritikin Principle Atkins diet Cambridge Diet

Paleo Diet Volumetrics Weight-Control Plan

SlimFast diet

Note: Some of the Fad Diets like Ketogenic and Atkins diets are considered to be healthy with many benefits.

How to identify a fad diet?

You can identify a fad diet when it: Promises instant weight loss. Ensures that food can help change body chemistry and help lose weight.

Claims effective weight loss based on testimonials only or anecdotal studies.

Claiming weight loss by endorsing celebrities or influencers.

Restrict food groups like removing gluten or carbs from the diet.

Promotes a ‘food combination’ as a quick fix for weight management.

Claims weight loss based on before and after photos.

Requires you to invest a lot of money to get the advantages of weight loss pills or prepackaged meals.