Pros and Cons of Fad Dieting

As there is a widespread awareness about the harmful effects of obesity, weight loss is on everyone's mind these days. People look for several weight loss plans and programs in order to lose weight quickly and effectively. It is a common knowledge that weight loss is only possible through diet and exercise. There are several diet plans that advocate quick weight loss. Among the numerous diet plans, crash or fad diets are very popular, as they insure weight loss in mere couple of days and weeks. Fad diets are specially planned diets that are based on the theory that a person should consume only specific type of food in a specified duration. Fad diets are strict diets which may sometimes lead to starvation. As many celebrities are found to follow fad diets, they are a rage all over the world. The Atkins diet, the Cabbage soup diet, the master cleanse diet, the raw food diet, the zone diet, the hCG diet, the pizza diet, the chocolate diet, the ice cream diet, etc. are some of the popular fad diets today. If you too are planning to subscribe to these diet plans, it is advisable to know about them in detail.

Fad Diets: Pros and Cons
There are several advantages and disadvantages associated with fad diets. There are also several potential side effects associated with most of them, which may or may not be seen in people. These diets may suit some people and may not be appropriate for some other. Therefore, the effectiveness of these diets is a debatable issue.

Pros

• Most of the fad diets are to be followed in a short period of time and hence, they are easier to follow.
• As there is a very little calorie intake in nearly all fad diets, there are high chances of losing weight.
• As most fad diets emphasize on the intake of fruits and vegetables, a person gains all the essential vitamins, fibers, minerals.
• Elimination of refined carbohydrates, fats, sugars, etc., from the diet helps in maintaining proper blood sugar.
• Some of the fad diets are properly planned (the zone diet) including all the essential nutrients like carbohydrates, fats, proteins, etc. and hence, there are lesser chances of suffering from side effects.
• Some fad diets like the master cleanse, also helps in complete detoxification, which can help in enhancing the texture of the skin along with weight loss.
• With the initial weight loss, one gets motivated and hence, looks forward to weight loss enthusiastically and continues having healthy food.

Cons

• Certain fad diets like the cabbage soup, master cleanse or chocolate diet, make a person deficient in necessary vitamins, minerals and proteins.
• Fad diets that advocate a high protein low carb diet can cause the body to become low in electrolytes.
• The potential side effects of fad diets can be low blood pressure, kidney stone, weakness, lack of sleep and fatigue.
• Most of the fad diets urge people to completely cut down on carbohydrates and fats, this can lead to lack of energy.
• Lack of fluids or excess fluids in the body can lead to the state dehydration or diarrhea respectively.
• Following a fad diet for a longer period of time can lead to vitamin deficiencies and malnutrition.
• According to fad diet facts, most of the people have reported to have gained weight after stopping the fad diet. Thus, it is possible for the diet to have an opposite effect on the body.

From the above mentioned pros and cons, we observe that there are high possibilities of people being stuck in the weight loss-weight gain cycle which may have adverse effects on the body in the long run. It is advised that if one wishes to follow any fad diet, he/she should consult the doctor and carry out the diet only under the doctor's supervision.

As a concluding note, it can be said that as there are numerous disadvantages of the fad diets, one should rather go for the natural weight loss plans by following a natural weight loss diet and exercise regime. Good luck!