Fad Diets: Facts and Fiction

Abstract

The global prevalence of obesity is alarmingly high and is impacting both developed and underdeveloped countries, beyond the borders of ethnicity, sex, and age. On the other hand, the global interest in dieting has increased, and people are obsessed with certain fad diets, assuming them as a magic bullet for their long-term problems. A fad diet is a popular dietary pattern known to be a quick fix for obesity. These diets are quite appealing due to the proposed claims, but the lack of scientific evidence is a big question mark. Such diets are often marketed with specific claims that defy the basic principles of biochemistry and nutritional adequacy. These diets may have protective effects against obesity and certain chronic diseases like cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, and certain cancers. Limited evidence exists to support the proposed claims; rather certain studies suggest the negative health consequences of long-term adherence to such dietary patterns. Many fad diets have emerged in the previous few decades. This review article will explore the current evidence related to the health impacts of some most popular diets: Atkins diet, ketogenic diet, Paleolithic diet, Mediterranean diet, vegetarian diet, intermittent fasting and detox diet.

Susceptibility to COVID-19 Nutrition Misinformation and Eating Behavior Change during Lockdowns: An International Web-Based Survey

“…The baseless conjectures that alkaline eating can help neutralize SARS-CoV-2 (S22) and that ketogenic eating provides a higher survival chance (S23) received moderate misinformation scores (1 in 6 respondents). Radical dietary changes that exclude entire food groups or that only favor a few foods may result in unwarranted dietary excesses and insufficiencies, compromising overall diet quality and ultimately increasing health risks [ 117 , 118 , 119 ].…”

Small Bowel Obstruction Caused by an Aggressive Weight Loss Diet in a Patient With No Predisposing Factors

“…With the rising rate of obesity and the health consequences that come with it, interest in 'fad diets' have become more popular among the general population with internet searches for weight loss increasing between 2004 and 2018 [14][15][16]. Although weight loss is usually rapid with these diets, they come with their own complications often being nutritionally imbalanced, unmaintainable, and, in our patient, the complication of life-threatening intestinal obstruction from phytobezoar [17,18].…”

Severe Dyslipidemia Mimicking Familial Hypercholesterolemia Induced by High-Fat, Low-Carbohydrate Diets: A Critical Review

“…High-fat, low-carbohydrate (‘keto’) diets may be considered in a line of fad diets known for exaggerated health claims and are frequently propagated through social media, where health misinformation is widespread, and the quality is difficult to assess [ 26 ]. Support for these diets is often provided in the form of opinionated, absolute statements that lack the backing of good-quality evidence highlighting harms and benefits [ 27 , 28 ]. Nevertheless, the number of individuals who follow a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet is considerable and increasing.…”