Seven of every 10 adults in the United States are trying to lose weight, a survey by the International Food Information Council Foundation reports. To lose weight, eat a low-calorie diet with an abundance of fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean meats. Turning to harmful fad diets may induce rapid weight loss. However, the weight you lose from these diets often come right back. Before embarking on a harmful diet, know the potentially bad effects of harmful diets.
Nutrient Deficiencies
Many fad diets zero in on a particular food or group of foods. For example, the cabbage soup restricts almost all foods save cabbage soup. You'll need to consume a variety of foods to get the vitamins, minerals and nutrients that your body requires to be healthy. Strictly limiting your intake to a handful of foods puts you at risk of nutrient deficiencies, the American Heart Association reports.
Boredom
Fad diets can be tortuous to stick to over the long term. Because they don't allow the foods that you crave -- even in moderation -- they generally aren't enjoyable. Because of this, many people don't stay with them for very long, the AHA states.
Physical Inactivity
Staying physically active is an important part of weight control. However, many fad diets don't emphasize physical activity's benefits, the AHA claims. Physical activity burns extra calories, reduces appetite and helps you maintain your weight loss results over time.
Fleeting Results
The weight that you lose during a harmful fad diet will likely come back with a vengeance as soon as the diet is complete, Colorado State University reports. They add that the behaviors that contributed to the weight gain remain after the completion of the diet. To achieve lasting weight loss eat a healthy diet that you'll enjoy, limit portions and stay physically active.
No Evidence
As opposed to reduced calorie diets that emphasize consumption of healthy foods, fad diets have little to no scientific evidence backing them, the AHA states. Claims that foods can burn fat or that combining certain foods can boost results are based on rumor and myth. Because their safety hasn't been established, these diets may be dangerous as well, the AHA adds.
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