There are many different diets of the modern world from various online or physical sources, most of which are based on criteria such as health benefits and risks, ease of participation, and the expected short- and long-term weight loss. This article covers the most popular diets available, rated by nutrition experts.
The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) Diet started as sponsored research by the US National Institute of Health that focuses on healthy eating and promoting heart health. It was designed to help people prevent and control hypertension and lower high blood pressure by reducing their sodium intake.
It consists of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, whole grains and low-fat dairy, and recommends avoiding sugary drinks, saturated fat, sweets and full-fat dairy. Expected weight loss in both the short and long term is 3.4 and 3.2 respectively.
Although it has been popular since the 1960s, American biologist Dr. Ancel Keys and chemist Margaret Keys were the first to publicize the Mediterranean Diet in 1975. It consists mainly of fruits, vegetables, and healthy fatty foods such as fish, whole grains, beans, seeds, nuts, and olive oil.It recommends limiting red meat intake to a few times a month, eating fish and poultry at least twice a week, and drinking red wine in moderate amounts.
This is recognized as one of the best plant-based diets for healthy and fast weight loss and has been associated with better health and longevity. Studies have shown that the Mediterranean Diet not only promotes weight loss but also reduces the risk of heart disease, among others. The expected weight loss in both the short and long term is 3.4 and 3.2 respectively.
Created by American cardiologist Dr. Robert Atkins in the early 1970s, the Atkins Diet is a low-carbohydrate diet that focuses on controlling the levels of insulin in the body. Meal plans can be based on foods such as meat, fatty fish and seafood, high-fiber and low-carb vegetables, eggs, nuts and seeds, full-fat dairy and healthy fats. Avoiding foods such as grains, sugar, vegetable oils, and trans fats are recommended.
Although the Atkins Diet can be effective for weight loss, this nutritional approach is not particularly well balanced, as eliminating health professionals do not recommend a food group. It is, therefore, advised that a doctor is consulted before the commencement of the Atkins Diet. Dr. Atkins maintains that the expected weight loss within the first two weeks is 6lb to 10lb, falling from 1lb to 3lb in the long term.
Weight Watchers Diet
The Weight Watchers Diet was developed by Jean Nidetch, a Brooklyn homemaker, and a group of friends in 1963. Weight Watchers focuses on losing weight through diet, exercise, and a support network – either by attending physical or online meetings. This dietary approach works on a points system, where each meal is rated based on the number of carbohydrates, protein, fat, and fiber, and people are told a total number to aim for each day. Foods that are filling and high in nutrients have fewer points, while sweets and other unhealthy snacks have higher points.
Unlike different types of diet, the Weight Watchers diet is unrestrictive and well-balanced, with no banned foods. People on this diet can consume foods that are high in protein while avoiding unnecessary calories, sugar, and saturated fat. The expected short-term and long-term weight loss is 4.3lb and 3.7lb respectively.
The Ketogenic Diet is a low-carb, high-fat, moderate protein diet that involves reducing carbohydrate intake and filling up on fats to help the body achieve a state of ketosis. This process allows the body to burn fat as a fuel instead of carbohydrates. Although initially designed in the 1920s for the treatment of seizure disorders, Russel Wilder at the Mayo Clinic built on this research and coined the Ketogenic Diet, which was later adapted for weight loss. The meal plan includes leafy and cruciferous vegetables, celery, cucumber, meat, poultry, herbs, and healthy fats such as avocados, coconuts, seeds, oily fish, coconut oil and olive oil.
However, participants in this diet often experience some side effects such as flu and constipation, and even health risks such as ketoacidosis (which affects most people with type one diabetes and may result in a diabetic coma or death). People on this diet can expect to lose at least 4.4lbs by week 16 and 6.6lbs by week 24.
The MIND Diet is a combination of two diets that have been proven to be healthy – the DASH Diet and the Mediterranean Diet. It was created by the Chicago Rush Medical Center, headed by Dr. Martha Clare Morris, to help protect the brain and prevent Alzheimer’s disease. The MIND Diet encourages people to eat from 10 groups of food, including whole grains, vegetables, nuts, berries, legumes, fish, poultry, wine, and olive oil. Participants should avoid pastries and sweets, red meat, cheese, fried or fast food, butter, and margarine.
Recent studies have shown that the MIND Diet is more effective against dementia than either the DASH Diet or the Mediterranean Diet, and it is considered healthy enough for anyone to try. The expected short-term and long-term weight loss is 3.2lb and 3.1lb respectively.
The Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) Diet was designed to promote the cardiovascular health of the body. Created by the National Institute of Health with the sole aim of reducing cholesterol levels in the body, it can facilitate losing up to 8% to 10% of bad LDL cholesterol in six weeks. The TLC Diet encourages people to stay away from saturated fat foods such as red meat, butter, cheese, alcohol, and whole milk.
Participants are advised to eat fruits, vegetables, grains, poultry, and unsaturated fat and oils. This diet plan requires a lot of calculation, self-discipline, and dedication, and the expected short-term and long-term weight loss is 3.4lb and 2.9lb respectively.
The Fertility Diet
Created by Jorge Chavarro and Walter Willett of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, the Fertility Diet was created with the purpose of, unsurprisingly, boosting fertility in women, preventing recurrent miscarriages, and supporting a healthy pregnancy. It revolves around eating foods that have the necessary nutrients to support hormonal function, production and balance, egg health, sperm health, and blood health.
These foods include high-quality proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole milk, and multivitamins that contain folic acid. The expected short-term and long-term weight loss is 3.1lb and 2.9lb respectively.
Mayo Clinic Diet
The Mayo Clinic Diet was invented by a group of health experts in collaboration with the Mayo Clinic, which can help people lose up to 45.4kg in a year. It is designed in such a way that it helps participants break unhealthy old habits and adopt healthy new ones. Participants are also advised to exercise for at least 30 minutes every day.
The foods recommended by the Mayo Clinic Diet includes lots of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, beans, fish, and healthy fats. The expected short-term and long-term weight loss is 3.5lb and 3.0lb respectively.
The Flexitarian Diet
Registered dietitian Dawn Jackson Blatner coined the term “flexitarian” from two words: flexible and vegetarian. The Flexitarian Diet includes increased intake of plant-based meals without completely eliminating meat, in order to cut calories for health benefits – participants can essentially be vegetarians yet still eat small quantities of meat. The plant-based meals include lentils, beans, peas, nuts, and seeds.
Due to the reduced intake of meat, participants are advised to add alternative sources of iron such as cereals, cabbage, spinach, and broccoli. The expected short-term and long-term weight loss is 3.6lb and 3.4lb respectively.
The Volumetrics Diet, created by Dr. Barbara Rolls, is considered to be one of the best diets for weight loss. It focuses on eating the right kind of food with low energy density and fewer calories and recommends foods with lots of water, such as fruits, non-starchy vegetables such as mushrooms, tomatoes and broccoli, broth-based soups, and moderate portions of whole grains, legumes, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy. Meal plans may also include small portions of foods such as bread, fat-free baked snacks, cheese, desserts, and high-fat meats, and sparing portions of nuts, cookies, and fried foods.
The diet is safe, effective and nutritious, and is beneficial for heart health and combating diabetes. Everyone can benefit from this diet plan, as it is healthy and flexible, making it easy to follow. Participants can expect a weight loss of 1lb to 2lb per week by reducing their daily calorie intake to 500 to 1,000. The expected short- and long-term weight loss is 4.5lb and 3.9lb respectively.
Jenny Craig Diet
The Jenny Craig Diet is a weight-loss program that works by restricting calories, fat, and the size of meal portions. It includes three packaged meals and two packaged snacks daily, an exercise plan, and consultation sessions. It also has the potential to boost heart health and combat diabetes.
The diet plan is based on participants’ present weight, fitness routines, and level of motivation, and costs approximately US$2,500 for three months (excluding enrolment and membership fees), which is a deterrent for many. Participants can expect an average weight loss of 1lb to 2lb per week with a daily calorie intake within the range of 1,200 to 2,300. The expected short- and long-term weight loss is 3.5 and 3.6 respectively.
The Biggest Loser Diet
Developed by Michael Dansinger M. D., dietician Cheryl Forberg, and trainers Bob Harper, Jillian Michaels and Maggie Greenwood-Robinson, the Biggest Loser Diet includes a specified portion of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fiber-rich foods, and fish using The Biggest Loser 4-3-2-1 Pyramid, as well as a fitness routine. You may join The Biggest Loser Club, which is optional, at a cost of US$39.99 for the first three months, which includes meal plans, recipes, workout routines, and online support. Additionally, this diet program can be followed by purchasing one of The Biggest Loser books.
The Biggest Loser Diet can help lower the risk of stroke, type two diabetes, and heart disease. It recommends avoiding potatoes, dried fruits, and alcohol, limiting meat consumption and drinking at least six to eight glasses of water daily. The diet is easy to follow, as no food group is alienated, and participants can lose an average of 4.3lb per week. The expected short- and long-term weight loss is 4 and 3.7 respectively.
The Ornish Diet was created by Dean Ornish M. D. in the early 1990s as a way of reversing the symptoms of heart diseases. It has now been adapted for weight-loss purposes, as well as to treat heart conditions. This mainly vegan diet includes foods such as beans, grains, legumes, fish, vegetables, and low- or non-fat dairy products, and avoids red and white meat, and egg yolk.
Participants should exercise for at least 30 minutes, five times a week and avoid unhealthy habits such as drinking excess alcohol and smoking. The expected short- and long-term weight loss is 3.1lb and 3.0lb respectively.
Traditional Asian Diet
The Traditional Asian Diet follows the nutritional approach of conventional diets of rural Japan, China, and other Asian countries, and aims to minimize the risk of some chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and some types of cancer. Foods included in the Traditional Asian Diet include starchy foods such as rice, corn, noodles, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils.
Optional foods are poultry and dairy products, fish, and shellfish. Participants of this diet should avoid drinking water or cold drinks with meals (instead, limiting liquids to 30 minutes before or after meals) and consume only raw vegetables. The expected short- and long-term weight loss is 2.8lb and 3.2lb respectively.
The Vegetarian Diet has been in existence since the time of Pythagoras, the Greek mathematician, who was a vegetarian. However, the word “vegetarian” was first coined in the 1800s by the British Vegetarian Society. There are various vegetarian food patterns: vegans consume only plant-derived foods; lacto-vegetarians eat plant-derived foods, dairy products, and eggs; and semi-vegetarians eat plant-derived foods, dairy products, chicken, fish, and eggs.
Research has shown that vegetarians have a lower risk of diabetes, obesity, heart conditions, and other health issues. The expected short- and long-term weight loss is 3.0lb and 2.6lb respectively.
The Zone Diet
The Zone Diet was created by Dr. Barry Sears with the aim of reducing inflammation induced by diet, by limiting the consumption of carbohydrates and increasing the intake of omega 3 fatty acids and polyphenols. This diet plan allows three meals and two snacks daily, recommending foods such as low-fat protein (fish, turkey, and chicken), fruits, vegetables, and olive oil. Participants must stick to the Zone Diet Pyramid, which consists of daily meals in the proportion of 30% fat, 30% protein, and 40% carbs, with meal intervals of four to six hours.
Participants can expect to lose approximately 1.0lb to 1.5lb within the first week of this weight loss program, with the expected short- and long-term weight loss at 4lb and 3.4lb respectively.
Developed by Dr. Andrew Weil for the purpose of healthy living, the Anti-Inflammatory Diet consists of food that contains high amounts of antioxidants, helping to reduce inflammation. Foods available include vegetables, dark red grapes, berries, beans, avocado, coconut, fish, olives, spices, and herbs.
Participants should avoid eating processed sugar, food, and meats, gluten, excess alcohol, trans fat, soybean, and vegetable oil. Participants can expect to lose about 1lb to 1.5 pounds within the first week of this program.
The Health Management Resources (HMR) Program was founded by Dr. Lawrence Stifler and a group of researchers, psychologists, and clinicians for the purpose of helping people struggling with weight and health issues. It works by reducing calorie intake via HMR meal replacement that has added fruits and vegetables, and avoiding alcohol.
The HMR starter and reorder kits cost approximately US$500, including shipping. Participants can lose approximately 1lb to 2lb per week within the first phase of the HMR program, and the expected short- and long-term weight loss is 3.2lb and 2.9lb respectively.
The Slim-Fast Diet
Created by the Thompson Medical Company in 1977, the Slim-Fast Diet consists of two Slim-Fast meal replacements, three 100-calorie snacks such as Slim-Fast snack bars or Advanced Nutrition snacks, and one 500-calorie meal. Participants can also eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, lean protein, and minimal starch, and they may eat six times daily.
People on this diet can expect to lose around 1lb to 2lb weekly, and the short- and long-term weight loss is approximately 2.1lb and 1.5lb respectively.
The Abs Diet is a six-week plan that allows dieters to eat six times per day, developed by David Zinczenko for the purpose of helping people lose weight and belly fat. Each meal plan contains at least two of the 12 Abs Diet power foods, i.e., eggs, beans, instant oatmeal, whole grains, almonds, peanut butter, spinach, raspberries, and olive oil.
The online membership fee is US$14.95 monthly or US$34.95 for three months. People on this diet can lose around 12 pounds of belly fat in two weeks, and the expected short- and long-term weight loss is 3.8lb and 3.1lb respectively.
South Beach Diet
The South Beach Diet, developed by cardiologist Arthur Agatson for the main purpose of helping people live a healthy lifestyle and lose weight, is a three-phase diet that allows specific foods and meal plans in the different phases. It follows the nutritional approach of low carb, low sugar, and high protein, and includes lean protein, high-fiber vegetables, seafood, soy products, avocado, low-fat dairy, nuts, and seeds.
Prepackaged foods are also available to participants who sign up for South Beach Diet paid membership program. It is expected that the short- and long-term weight loss is 4.0lb and 2.8lb respectively.
Donald Watson coined the word “vegan” in 1944 and was one of the co-founders of the Vegan Society in England. A vegan diet contains only plant-derived foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, seeds, nuts, nut butter, seaweed, calcium-fortified plant milk and yogurt, and nutritional yeast, and excludes all foods derived from animals such as poultry, meat, fish, dairy, honey, and eggs.
It can help lower the risk of cancer and supports bone and heart health. There are different types of vegan diet, including a whole-food vegan diet, raw-food vegan diet, the starch solution, 80/10/10, etc. The expected short- and long-term weight loss is 3.4lb and 3.5lb respectively.
Engine 2 Diet
Former athlete and firefighter Rip Esselstyn created the Engine 2 Diet to help prevent heart conditions and diseases such as Alzheimer’s, cancer, and diabetes. This is a low-fat plant-based diet that is similar to the vegan diet but excludes vegetable oils, refined grains, processed foods, and shakes.
Foods that can be included in the Engine 2 Diet are whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables. Participants may consider buying the Engine 2 Diet or pay an optional fee of US$9.99 for extra support. The expected short- and long-term weight loss is 3.6lb and 2.9lb respectively.
Medifast Inc. developed the Medifast Diet for weight loss and to help control blood sugar, heart disease, and high cholesterol. Participants eat prepackaged Medifast meals, which are prepared with low-fat protein and fiber and enriched with vitamins and minerals, up to six times daily. These meal replacement options include shakes, cereals, protein bars, and snacks.
Every meal should include three servings of vegetables, five to seven ounces of lean protein, and two servings of healthy fat. A seven-pack Medifast meal replacement kit costs US$16.95. People on this diet lose approximately 1lb to 2lb weekly, and it is expected that the short- and long-term weight loss is 3.8lb and 2.1lb respectively.
The Eco-Atkins Diet was developed as an alternative vegan Atkins Diet by a group of researchers at St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto. This low-carb, plant-based diet is suited for vegans and vegetarians and can help to promote healthy weight loss, and also reduce bad cholesterol and insulin resistance.
Participants are provided with packaged meals that consist mainly of soy foods, healthy fats, beans, fruits, vegetables, non-starchy gluten products, nuts, and seeds. The expected short- and long-term weight loss is 3.4lb and 2.5lb respectively.
Melissa Hartwig developed the Whole30 Diet to help people eliminate food cravings, improve their general health, and achieve weight loss.
This diet plan emphasizes the consumption of whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, seafood, unprocessed meat, olive and coconut oil, nuts, seeds, and eggs while eliminating dairy products, grains, legumes, added sugar, processed foods, and alcohol. The expected short- and long-term weight loss is 2.7lb and 2.7lb respectively.
Created by Canadian professor David Jenkins in the early 1980s, the Glycemic-Index Diet is a nutritional approach based on the way foods affect the body’s blood sugar level. It helps to manage weight, reduce the body’s blood sugar level and promote heart health. The Glycemic Index values are classified into three categories: Low GI (1-55), Medium GI (56-69) and High GI (70 and above).
Participants should eat mostly low GI foods that are not likely to increase blood sugar levels, such as green vegetables, fruits, carrots, oatmeal, peas, peanuts, skim milk, kidney beans, etc. The expected short- and long-term weight loss is 3.0lb and 2.3lb respectively.
Acid Alkaline Diet
Developed by Robert Young to help the body control its pH levels while promoting good health, the Acid Alkaline Diet recommends participants eat 80% alkalizing foods and 20% acid-forming foods.
This diet plan includes fruits, vegetables, sprouted grains, almonds, soy products, lentils, and tofu. Smoking, drinking alcohol, coffee, soda and drug abuse can have a negative effect on the body’s pH levels, so must be avoided by participants. The expected short- and long-term weight loss is 2.3lb and 1.9lb respectively.
Supercharged Hormone Diet
Dr. Natasha Turner created the Supercharged Hormone Diet to help achieve long-term weight loss via eating foods that regulate body hormones. Initially, participants need to take a hormonal health questionnaire from Dr. Turner’s book The Supercharged Hormone Diet. The diet plan starts with a two-week detox to remove excess hormones and allergenic and inflammatory food and drink (such as sugar and alcohol) from the body system.
Participants begin to introduce food groups back into their diet in the third week, noting which foods their bodies are intolerant of and eliminating these from their diet plan by the fourth week. At least six to eight cups of water should be drunk daily, and meals should be started with salads or soups to promote the feeling of being full. It is also recommended that people on this diet take supplements such as probiotics and vitamin D3 to help reduce cravings, increase metabolism, and break down hormones. The expected short- and long-term weight loss is 2.8lb and 2.0lb respectively.
Popularized by George Ohsawa in the 1930s, the Macrobiotic Diet is a plant-based diet focused on types of foods from Zen Buddhism, rooted in ying-yang theories that date back to ancient Eastern tradition. Studies have claimed that the Macrobiotic diet helps to reduce inflammation, promote heart health, lower blood sugar levels, and support healthy weight management.
Foods that can be included are beans, sea vegetables, whole grains, fish, seafood, fruits, nuts, seeds, meat, poultry, and dairy. It is advised that participants purchase locally grown and organic foods, planted without pesticides, and avoid refined foods and most animal products. The expected short- and long-term weight loss is 3.5lb and 3.0lb respectively.
Body Reset Diet
Celebrity fitness trainer Harley Pasternak created the Body Reset Diet, a 15-day diet separated into three five-day phases, to help people achieve weight loss while promoting healthy living.
It works by boosting metabolism while eating a low-calorie plant-based diet that consists mainly of smoothies, which come in three varieties (white for breakfast, red for lunch, and green for dinner) and consist of milk or water, fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, and protein. In addition, participants can have two healthy snacks between meals. The expected short- and long-term weight loss is 2.6lb and 1.3lb respectively.
Invented by Walter Voegtlin in 1975, the Paleo Diet was created based on the characteristics of foods eaten by the first humans millions of years ago. It helps to improve health by getting rid of processed and high-fat foods that offer no nutritional benefits and contain more calories than necessary.
The Paleo diet recommends eating natural foods and fats, which satisfy participants’ appetites faster, making them eat less and simultaneously reducing weight gain. Grains, artificial sweeteners, sugary drinks, legumes, dairy products, and highly processed foods are all excluded from the diet, while beef, nuts, fruits, fish, eggs, olive oil, and game animals are allowed. The expected short- and long-term weight loss is 4.0lb and 3.5lb respectively.
Created by Pierre Dukan, the Dukan Diet emphasizes eating high fat and high protein foods while excluding carbohydrates. It consists of four phases: attack, cruise, consolidation, and stabilization. The attack phase spans for a period of 5 to 10 days, giving immediate results. Participants may only eat foods with high protein content, with the exemption of carbohydrates. The cruise phase allows the introduction of carbohydrates in the form of 28 pre-approved vegetables, alongside pure proteins, until participants reach their weight target.
At the consolidation stage, foods forbidden in the earlier stages are reintroduced gradually while the stabilization stage allows carbohydrates to be added into the diet without putting on weight. Participants are advised to consult their doctor before starting the Dukan Diet plan. The expected short- and long-term weight loss are 3.0lb and 3.3lb respectively.
Raw Food Diet
The Raw Food Diet dates back to 1800 when Dr. Maximilian Bircher-Benner discovered that he could cure his own jaundice by eating raw apples. It promotes the consumption of uncooked and unprocessed food, including fresh fruits, berries, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and herbs in their whole, natural state. This diet is aimed at promoting weight loss, good health, and a better environment.
It evolved due to claims that raw food contains natural enzymes and nutrients that can help the body reach optimal health and lose weight. Participants are to stay off pasteurized foods, all processed foods, refined sugars and flours, table salt, and caffeine. Pasta, baked goods, junk food and most store-bought juices, drinks, and milk should also be avoided. The expected short- and long-term weight loss are 4.5lb and 3.7lb respectively.
Invented by a family of eight adult members who tried to find a way to lose a combined weight of 500lb, the key to the Fast Diet is teamwork. The goal is to reduce calorie intake for two non-consecutive days every week, losing up to 500 calories each week.
There is no exercise plan for the Fast Diet, neither is there any food menu that participants can adhere to, which makes it challenging at times. The expected short- and long-term weight loss is 4.2lb and 3.5lb respectively.
Participants of the Nutrisystem Diet, which was created by Nutrisystem, Inc. to effect weight loss, are required to buy most of their food from Nutrisystem, Inc. and avoid alcohol and eating out. A 30-minute daily exercise is also required.
Pregnant women, people with chronic kidney diseases and allergies, and children under the age of 14 are not allowed to participate in this diet plan. The expected short- and long-term weight loss is 4.lb1 and 3.5lb respectively.
Flat Belly Diet
The Flat Belly Diet is a weight loss program designed by Liz Vaccariello and Cynthia Sass, and uses monounsaturated fatty acids to help participants lose fat in the stomach region. The goal is to lose 15lb of predominantly belly fat. Meals should be eaten in intervals of four hours, and 400 calories per meal should be consumed, four times daily.
Participants should avoid eating processed foods, beans, onions, pasta, bananas, and bagels, and drink at least two liters of water mixed with ginger root, cucumber, lemon, and mint leaves. Exercise is not required but is advised for better results. The expected short- and long-term weight loss is 2.6lb and 2.2lb respectively.
Spark Solution Diet
The Spark Solution Diet was created by Becky Hand and Stephanie Romine to help people struggling with obesity. It recommends that participants drink eight ounces of water first thing in the morning and eat a total of 1,500 calories daily, as this is low enough for weight loss and high enough to be able to carry out physical activities.
Meal plan recipes, as well as exercise guidelines, can be found in the Spark Solution Book. The expected short- and long-term weight loss is 3.1lb and 2.5lb respectively.
18 Shake Diet
Created by Japan’s Matsutani Chemical Industry Co., the 18 Shake Diet is a meal replacement diet that helps achieve weight loss by replacing one or two meals per day with 18 Shake.
It is made of natural ingredients including high-quality proteins, fibers, vitamins, and minerals, and consists of 90 calories with added vitamins. The expected short- and long-term weight loss are 4.2lb and 3.5lb respectively.
Plexus Slim Diet
Consisting of a blend of herbs, chlorogenic acid, Garcinia Cambogia and alpha-lipoic acid, Plexus Slim by Plexus Worldwide Inc. is a weight-loss product created from natural products to aid fat reduction in a healthy manner. The ingredients help to burn fat, regulate blood sugar, and maintain a healthy blood pressure. Participants have to mix the powder from a Plexus Slim stick packet with water and drink it 30 minutes before at least one meal in a day.
Plexus Slim is very effective when used in combination with a diet and exercise plan and has no known side effects. The expected short- and long-term weight loss is 4.0lb and 3.5lb respectively.
Cabbage Soup Diet
The origin of the Cabbage Soup Diet is unknown, but it was initially invented to help people lose weight after they had undergone surgical operations. It is claimed that a person eating cabbage soup for the majority of their meals can lose 10lb in a week, and the Cabbage Soup Diet Book contains the recommended recipe.
The downside is that it is not particularly healthy for the body in either the short or long term. The expected short- and long-term weight loss is 2.8lb and 2.3lb respectively.
Fat Metabolism Diet
Created by Haylie Pomroy, the Fat Metabolism Diet is a three-phase 28-day diet plan that helps to increase body metabolism, which in turns helps to burn body fat. It is advised to eliminate foods such as sugar, dairy, and grains.
In addition, the Fat Metabolism Diet book is recommended for more information about the meals and food choices. The expected short- and long-term weight loss is 2.9lb and 2.5lb respectively.
The Optifast Diet was created by the Norvartis Medical Nutrition Corporation as a replacement liquid diet that helps participants to lose weight in a short period of time. The plan spans for 18 weeks and solely depends on eating healthy foods, working out and weight loss advice from medical professionals.
Membership costs US$2,150, and an additional US$2,000 will be spent on food and supplements. The expected short- and long-term weight loss is 2.8lb and 2.5lb respectively.
Raw Vegan Diet
The Raw Vegan Diet encourages the consumption of vegan and raw foods and excludes products of animals, baked items, coffee and tea, table salt, and food cooked at a temperature higher than 48°C. Instead, it recommends fruits and raw vegetables, nuts, seeds, plant oils, herbs, sea vegetables, and fresh juices.
Raw Vegan Diet participants believe that cooking food destroys the natural balance of micronutrients present in food and take vitamin B12 supplements as it is not present in raw plant foods. Benefits of eating raw vegan foods include weight loss, clear skin, improved digestion, and good overall health. The expected short- and long-term weight loss is 3.0lb and 2.5lb respectively.
Master Cleanse Diet
A short-term solution to detoxification and weight loss, the Master Cleanse Diet is based on a book written by Stanley Burroughs that claims it is a solution for all health problems, including obesity. It is also referred to as the “Lemonade Diet” due to the fact that lemon juice is used as a detoxifying agent.
The diet helps to cleanse the body system and at the same time provides nutrients and energy for daily activities, and it is recommended to purchase the Master Cleanse Diet book for more information. The expected short- and long-term weight loss is 3.5lb and 1.0lb respectively.
Baby Food Diet
Purely an eating program requiring no exercise, the Baby Food Diet was created by Tracy Anderson to help maintain body weight after initial weight loss. This diet plan allows you to eat 14 15- to 100-calorie meals that completely contain baby food every day.
Fruits and vegetables can be eaten as long as they are pureed and remain in the allowed calorie range. The expected short- and long-term weight loss is 4.0lb and 3.35lb respectively.
Slimming World Diet
The Slimming World was created by Margaret Miles Bramwell in 1969 in a bid to help people shed weight through healthy eating. In this program, participants learn the kinds of foods to avoid and the types to eat. The two Slimming World Diet plans are The Green Days plan and the Original Days plan.
People following the Green Days plan are to avoid foods rich in starch, while the Original Days plan allows meat. Foods included in the Slimming World diet are fruits, vegetables, rice, pasta, lean meats, and skinless and non-fat poultry. The expected short- and long-term weight loss is 2.6lb and 2.4lb respectively.
Created by Alan Howard in 1970, the Cambridge Diet encourages the consumption of low-calorie shakes, soups, and snack bars that are specially produced give the body its nutritional needs and promote weight loss using ketosis. Participants have to buy Cambridge Diet meal replacement products that cost around £48.30.
Cambridge weight plan consultants have to weigh and measure interested persons in order to decide which program is best for them, then provide the relevant products, guidance, and support until their weight loss goal is achieved. The expected short- and long-term weight loss is 3.5lb and 1lb respectively.
Lighter Life Diet
Founded by Jackie Cox, Lighter Life is a weight loss program aimed at helping people with a BMI between 25 and 30. Participants replace their normal meals and drinks with Lighter Life’s soups, nut bars, mousses, and shakes. A total of 500 calories is to be consumed daily from Lighter Life’s products, which contain enough nutrients for the body to function healthily.
There is also no exercise program associated with Lighter Life, but the diet costs around US$70 weekly. The expected short- and long-term weight loss is 3.3lb and 3.1lb respectively.
Rosemary Conley Diet
Also known as “the Amazing Inch Loss Plan”, the Rosemary Conley diet is a weight-loss program with the sole purpose of teaching people who want to lose 1lb to 5lb how to exercise properly and eat healthier while sticking to a 1200-calorie count.
The Rosemary Conley Diet book, which costs US$14, is recommended for more information about the type of foods to eat and workout plans. The expected weight loss is 2.8lb, in both the short term and the long term.
The Dynamic Diet is a new weight loss system developed by obesity doctor Alain Lewis, M. D. that contains diet manuals, weight loss supplements, weight loss recipes, nutritional education, and support. It is quite different from other diet plans because participants are not overloaded with the counting of calories. Instead, they are advised to eat vegetables, lean protein, healthy complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and fruits. On the other hand, processed foods, grains, sugar, and salt should be eliminated.
The Dynamic Diet book contains everyday meal combinations while weight loss supplements help to improve metabolism, reduce hunger cravings and improve hormonal balance. The expected short- and long-term weight loss is 4.8lb and 4.7lb respectively.
The E-Factor Diet
The E-Factor Diet is an e-book on weight loss written by John Rowley, aiming to help people lose weight through unique suggestions. It is based on claims that people can lose weight by knowing the types of food to buy and when to eat it. Instead of going for low-calorie food, participants are advised to consume energy-giving products and avoid foods high in histamine.
It is recommended that you get the E-factor Diet book, which costs approximately US$215, for more information about the list of foods to eat. The expected short- and long-term weight loss is 2.6lb and 2.5lb respectively.
Bright Line Eating Diet
Developed by Dr. Susan Pierce Thompson to help obese people lose weight, the Bright Line Eating Diet uses the effect of the hormone leptin, which is produced when the body has sufficient energy, and brain rewiring techniques to gain control over excessive eating and weight gain. Meals should be taken three times per day with no snacks, avoiding sugar and flour. Additionally, food quantities should be fixed by either weight or plate.
The Bright Light Eating Program also offers an eight-week online boot camp, costing US$500, for people with eating disorders or food addiction. The expected short- and long-term weight loss are 2.9lb and 2.8lb respectively.
Cruise Control Diet
Created by James Ward as a way of eating healthily to lose weight, the Cruise Control Diet has nothing to do with counting calories, food diaries or a synthetic diet. Instead, it is based on the Instinctual Eating Principle (IEP), which focuses on having control over the hormones responsible for appetite regulation and storage of fat. There are three phases in the Cruise Control Diet: the Metabolic Reset Phase, the Cruise Control Phase, and the Rapid Fat Burning Phase.
The Cruise Control e-book is recommended for more information, costing around US$39.99. The expected short- and long-term weight loss is 2.9lb and 2.8lb.