Some of the worst ways to lose weight are found in the hundreds of advertised scams and weight-loss fads, reports the Mayo Clinic. Diets that are impossible to maintain, or that lack essential nutrients are among those that are unhealthy and ineffective for long-term weight control.
Very Low-Calorie Diets
Quick and massive weight loss is not only unhealthy but is impossible to maintain. The Weight-control Information Network reports that very low-calorie diets, while effective for morbidly obese patients under a doctor's supervision, typically result in the weight being regained after the patient resumes normal eating. Losing weight too quickly can lead to gallstones and cause other side effects such as constipation, diarrhea and fatigue.
Cleansing Diets
Detox or cleansing diets can be harmful to your health and have not been proven to provide any health benefits, reports the Mayo Clinic. Most cleansing diets last for up to 10 days and require a combination of fasting, laxatives and herbal supplements based on the premise that the body has stored toxins that prevent weight loss and optimum health. Initial side effects of a cleansing diet are headache and fatigue. Long-term effects can lead to serious complications such as anemia, irregular heartbeat and low blood sugar.
Fads
Fad diets provide some of the worst ways to lose weight, according to the Weight-control Information Network, an informational service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Diets that restrict various foods or rely on eating just one food for a period of time are difficult to follow and usually result in relapse and additional weight gain. Popular high-protein and low-carbohydrate diets can increase the risk for heart disease and lead to constipation, weakness and nausea. Eating less than 130g of carbs per day can lead to kidney stones and gout. Fad diets that claim to include food that causes weight loss are false as there is no food that is without calories.
Supplements
Among the worst ways to lose weight is to rely on pills or supplements. Even those supplements that claim to be safe or all-natural are not scientifically tested, nor are they monitored by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. A popular herbal supplement called ephedra has been banned in the United States because of its ties to serious illness and death. Replacement supplements that claim to be ephedra-free have not been tested and may contain ephedra-like ingredients that may cause serious harm.
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