Last year Americans spent an estimated $46 billion on diet products and self-help books. That’s a lot of money. Nearly one-third of U.S. adults are overweight, and another third are technically obese, as defined by a body-mass index of more than 30. And our children are following right behind. Despite all that money spent, two-thirds of American dieters regain all the weight they had lost within a year, and 97% had gained it all back within five years. What is going on?

Many of those who attempt weight loss are looking for a quick fix, which is practically the definition of a fad diet. However these fad diets are not healthy, not founded in scientific evidence and can be dangerous. You have seen all the claims, “Lose 30 pounds in 30 days”, “Eat as much as you want and still lose weight”, “Lose that belly fat for good”. They are everywhere, magazines, television and especially on the internet. There is not much regulation of these diets whether they are pills, potions or plans, so the responsibility lies with the consumer to make the healthful choice. 

Fad diets can result in short term weight loss. Depending on the diet, much of what you are losing is water (one gallon of water weighs just over 8 pounds). Once the body gets rehydrated, the weight comes right back. Water is not only found in the liquid form it’s also in foods like fruits and vegetables (think of a juicy watermelon). Water is also found in carbohydrates, yes that’s right. It’s even in the name, cardo HYDRATE, which is one of the reasons many diets emphasize low carbohydrate intake. 

The best trick for weight loss is a healthful diet full of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains and exercise. The recommendation for exercise for adults is for 60 minutes most days of the week. 

Generally speaking, if there is no nutritionally or medically reliable information about the diet pill, solution or book don’t even think about it. Be a fit, slim and savvy shopper and skip the fad diets.