What is a Fad Diet? The real shortcut to weight loss that's going viral

A fad diet is one that becomes popular in a short time, just like fashion trends. They often claim to reduce fat or improve health conditions quickly. Some of these diets work effectively, while others don't. Many of these diets have scientific explanations, but some of them have no scientific evidence to support them.

These trends might involve having a particular type of food for a week, high-protein or low-carb diets. In this article, we discuss how and why viral diet trends can affect health and psychology and bring insight into the safety aspects of some fad diets.

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What is a fad diet? Some examples of a fad diet

Low-carb diets are quite popular. (Image via Unsplash/Eiliv Aceron)

The term fad is usually used to refer to a diet that claims to give results in a short time.

However, some of these diets may be effective for weight loss or hormone balance. In many cases, studies on many of these trending diets have given positive results. Some popular fad diets include:

1) South Beach diet

The South Beach Diet is a popular weight-loss diet plan published in 2003 by cardiologist Arthur Agatston, M.D., in his best-selling book, "The South Beach Diet: The Delicious, Doctor-Designed, Foolproof Plan for Fast and Healthy Weight Loss". It's a modified low-carbohydrate diet.

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2) Ketogenic diet

The ketogenic diet is a very low-carb, high-protein and high-fat diet. It involves reducing carbohydrate intake to below 10% of the calorie requirements and replacing it with good fats.

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3) Grapefruit diet

The diet calls for a protein-rich meal plan that includes grapefruit and grapefruit juice at every meal. The grapefruit diet claims that grapefruit has fat-burning enzymes.

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4) Mayo Clinic diet

The diet consists of two phases. The two-week phase one is designed to initiate weight loss by changing food and lifestyle habits. The second phase is a long-term plan that aims to improve overall health.

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5) Atkins diet

The Atkins diet is another high-protein diet that has been popularized by Dr. Robert Atkins in his book Dr. Atkins’ New Diet Revolution.

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6) Dr. Sears' Enter the Zone diet

The Zone diet has a specific ratio of 40% carbs, 30% protein and 30% fat. The diet was conceptualized by Dr. Barry Sears, an American biochemist. His best-selling book, The Zone, was published in 1995.

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Are all fad diets successful?

Many diet trends originate out of the internet craze and might not be effective. Scientific evidence must be obtained through proper research and clinical trials to prove their effectiveness.

For example, the cabbage soup diet, potato diet and lemonade diet can be harmful to health. However, certain diets like the ketogenic diet have gone through research and analysis and have been found to be effective for weight loss.

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Why fad diets may be bad for you?

Diets that originated without any scientific evidence or explanation might be bad for you. They might deprive you of essential nutrients and degrade your health.

These diets are often promoted by celebrities and trend on social media platforms, especially TikTok and Instagram. Certain diets like the Hormone Balance diet might be good for you, though.

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How do you know if a fad diet is working?

A healthy body composition is essential for fitness. (Image via Unsplash/Towfiqu Barbhuiya)

Research has been done on many of these diets, and mixed outcomes have been obtained.

It's best to observe the results and check for any signs of malnutrition. Consult with a nutritionist to find out whether a fad diet is working for you or not. Routine blood tests and body composition measurements can show actual results.

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Indranil Biswas is a nutritionist and personal trainer with a diploma in dietetics and personal training with a specialization in sports nutrition and strength training.

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