When it comes to weight loss, you may search for the "magic bullet" to melt away the pounds. Fad diets are often advertised as being the solution to your weight issues with minimum effort. Fad diets are unhealthy and can even be dangerous. The American Heart Association recommends a healthy balanced diet coupled with exercise as the best way to safely lose weight.
Identification
Most fad diets have certain characteristics. They promise quick weight loss of more than two to three pounds per week. They have very strict guidelines as to what you can eat and when. Often, certain food groups are eliminated, for example, carbohydrates. Some fad diets encourage you to eat unlimited amounts of a particular food, such as grapefruit . Fad diets don't promote the importance of physical activity in conjunction with the diet; nor do they have health warnings for people with conditions such as diabetes or hypertension.
Types
Fad diets fall into different categories, according to staff at "Family Doctor." Liquid diets like the "Cambridge Diet" are very low calorie -- around 400 calories. Diets that advocate a low intake of carbohydrates with a high intake of fat and proteins include the "Dr. Atkin's Diet Revolution", "The South Beach Diet" and "Protein Power." Conversely, high carbohydrate diets like the "Pritikin Principle," "Dr. Dean Ornish Plan" and "The Good Carbohydrate Revolution" encourage a high carbohydrate intake with little fat or protein.
Drawbacks
Following a fad diet isn't sustainable in the long run, as most require you to drastically change your eating habits. If you're on the diet for more than a few weeks you're likely to find the diet monotonous and boring, and when you stop the diet you'll return to your old eating habits. Many fad diets are not backed by scientific research and the claims they make -- such as certain foods having "fat burning" properties -- are unproved, according to the American Heart Association.
Health Problems
Following a fad diet for a prolonged time or changing from one fad diet to another carries serious health concerns. According to the Weight-control Information Network, if you continually lose more than more than three pounds of weight a week you increase the risk of developing gall stones. A report by CNN concludes that fad diets contribute to weakening your immune system, damaging your blood vessels and increasing your risk of heart attacks.
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