Every now again the time comes along when we’d like to lose a few extra kilos, and have it happen quickly.  Unfortunately sustainable weight loss does not occur quickly, and this often leads to trying a fad diet.

What is a Fad Diet?

A fad diet is generally a diet which promises very rapid weight loss.  These fad diets are not backed by rigorous scientific research and may be detrimental to your health.  Many fad diets severely restrict your total energy intake and often restrict one or more food groups.  Although it is true that you need to burn more energy than you consume to lose weight, you can take this to the extreme.

A fad diet will sometimes cut out carbohydrates in order to make you lose weight.  This happens as when you consume carbohydrates these are stored, along with water in your muscles and liver.  When you limit your carbohydrate intake your body burns through what carbs you have stored (along with the extra water) and this results in weight loss on the scales.  What they don’t tell you is that as soon as you start to eat carbs again they will be stored back in the muscles and liver, along with water and your weight will go right back up.  A fad diet that restricts food groups can limit your nutrient intake, and over time could possibly result in deficiencies.  Fad diets that restrict what you can eat can also lead you into a yo-yo dieting cycle.

How to Check for a Fad Diet

The best way to look for a fad diet is to check if it sounds too good to be true.  Healthy weight loss is considered to be around 0.5kg a week.  If a diet promises more than this it is likely to be fad diet.  If the diet removes or restricts specific food groups you should also be wary.

Do They Work?

In a simple sense, NO.  You may initially lose weight but it is often not fat, and it often rebounds back on once you start to eat normally again.  They are also very socially restricting and can really take the enjoyment out of eating.

How to Avoid a Fad Diet

You may want to lose weight quickly but you are best to start eating healthier and doing more exercise, which results in more sustainable weight loss.  If you need help improving your diet contact a dietitian , nutritionist or naturopath.