Dieting myths

How to recognise a fad diet

• Fad diets are popular due to being promoted as offering a quick fix for weight loss
• Fad diets are not evidence based
• The British Dietetic Association states that a diet is a fad diet if it:
• Recommends strange quantities of only one food (e.g. cabbage)
• Promoted magical foods to ‘burn’ fats
• Suggests rigid menus, limiting food choice
• Advises food should only be eaten in certain combinations
• Suggests rapid weight loss of more than 1 kg per week
• Does not address barriers to losing weight
• Fails to recommend physical activity
• Does not advise people with medical conditions to seek medical advice before starting