The term “fad diets” refers to dietary patterns evolved in order for people’s desire to lose weight quickly to be met. Usually they are diet plans promoting calorie restriction with or without exclusion of certain food groups. Popular fad diets include: the ATKINS Diet, the Zone Diet, the Paleo Diet, the 5:2 Diet.

Individuals tend to lack motivation very early on these fad diets as the extreme deprivation they face, in combination with changes in “internal cues” that are responsible for the hunger sensation, leave the individuals feeling fatigued, hungry and weak.

Expect from the fact these diets are not sustainable long-term, the greater risk relies on dangers that they pose in individuals health. The extreme calorie restriction that they impose leads to fatigue and weakness, as the body does not take the energy and nutrients required to meet the daily energy requirements. Most people complain that they feel sluggish and foggy due to lower energy supply.

Furthermore, the lower energy supply causes individuals metabolism to slow down, which can enhance weight gain and lead to the manifestation of thyroid disorders.

As mentioned before, there is a high drop out rate with most individuals feeling ashamed for their failed attempt to diet. This fact may result in increased levels of stress, anxiety, guilt, and may even predispose individuals to manifestation of depression and even eating disorders.

Last but not least, even in well-designed diets according to widely accepted standards, it should be remembered that there is no wonder-diet to cover everyone’s needs. This is true for especially for fad diets! They may be ineffective to you and simply waste your time.

As the British Dietetic Association states “There is no magic solution to lose weight and keeping it of long-term”. The key to achieve the weight loss that you desire lies upon finding a healthy way of eating, according to your personal needs, preferences and beliefs, so that you enjoy it and as such stick to it for life.