Popular Current Fad Diets

The complete article was printed in the American Dietetic Association Times, January/February 2004, Volume 1, Number 3

Dear Knowledge Center,

With my clients’ New Year’s resolution to lose weight come questions about fad diets. What are currently the most popular diets plans?

By the time your read this, there may already be a new best-selling diet book heading the list, but with some help from current or former ADA media spokespeople we have put together “Fad Diets 101” to give you the scoop on current popular diets.

South Beach Diet

Diet Summary: Comprised of three phases, the South Beach Diet begins by banning carbohydrates and allowing normal-size portions of meat, poultry, shellfish, vegetables, eggs and nuts. Dieters are told they will lose between 8 – 13 pounds in the first two weeks during the detoxifications phase. The second phase reintroduces “good carbs” and diets expect to lose one to two pounds per week until the weight lose goal is reached. The third phase allows the dieters to eat pretty much anything in moderation.

The theory behind the South Beach Diet is the faster sugar and starches are digested, the more weight is gained. Instead, the diet will cause weight loss because it is a low-calorie plan with an average intake of about 1,400 to 1,500 calories per day. The diet’s first phase promotes potentially dangerous weight loss; however the second and third phases emphasize whole grains, lean proteins and dairy, unsaturated fats and fruits and vegetables, in addition to consistent meal times, snack, a healthy dessert and plenty of water. – Dawn Jackson, RD, LD

The Zone Diet

Diet Summary: Promoting a “balanced nutritional approach,” the Zone Diet is a complex eating plan that divides each meal into proportion of 40% carbohydrates, 30% proteins, and 30% fats. The “Zone” refers to the state in which the body is at its physical peak, presumably from following this diet.

While the Zone Diet is closer to what most dietetics professionals would recommend compared to other fad diets, there are still better nutrition and exercise programs that are less complicated and frustrating than constantly measuring proportions and counting calories. – Althea Zanecosky, MS, RD

The “New” Atkins Diet

Diet Summary: Arguably the most famous fad diets, the Atkins Diet program restricts carbohydrates and focuses on eating mostly protein with the use of vitamin and mineral supplements. According to the program, this will alter a body’s metabolism so it will burn stored fat while building muscle mass. The “new” Atkins Diet is the same diet with a more liberal maintenance plan.

With the “new” Atkins diet, some of the sensationalism is gone and there is heavy promoting of low-carb bars and food products form Atkins Nutritional, Inc. The bottom line is still the same. Carbs are demonized and there are major restrictions on fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes and low-fat dairy foods, which contradicts everything we know about health promotion and disease prevention. –Keith Ayoob, EdD, RD, FADA

Dr. Phil’s Ultimate Weight Solution

Diet Summary: The theme of this program is that behavior modification and cognitive restructuring, along with a healthy diet and exercise, can lead to permanent weight management. Claiming an 80 percent success rate, the program’s key points offer behavioral and nutritional advice ranging from portion control to supplement recommendation. Foods are divided into two categories: high response foods (good) and low response foods (bad).

While some of the cook’s advise is good, several of the book’s points contain erroneous or outdated nutrition and dietary recommendations. Additionally, the Ultimate Weight Solution includes seemingly simple advice for dealing with complicated emotional, eating and family issues. Without proper supervision, managing these issues alone can lead to ultimate dietary disaster. Dr. Phill suggests enlisting a ‘circle of support’ including a nutritionist with ‘technical expertise’; however, this advice comes late in the book. –Lisa Dorfman, MS. RD, LMHC, Licensed Psychotherapist

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