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7 weight-loss diets you must either avoid or follow with caution

Although there are many popular diets for weight loss, not all of them are healthy. Here we list 7 such fad diet plans and why they're dangerous.
causes of overeating
These are the worst weight loss diets. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Published by Aayushi Gupta
Published On: 30 Aug 2022, 08:59 am IST
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There are many different diet plans grappling for your attention if you’re seeking a quick way to lose weight. They typically promise to blast fat and provide other health benefits. The same diets are among the biggest offenders because not only are they possibly harmful to your health, but they may also ineffective in the long run. You can experience nutrient deficiencies that can have detrimental effects on your health.

How to choose a diet and what to avoid?

We understand that looking for a diet that is right for you might be overwhelming owing to new trends and the abundance of fad diets for weight loss flooding the market. But even the most popular diet plans may not be successful, and some may even be harmful. So today we will take you through seven popular diet trends that claim to promote healthy weight loss but can be harmful to your health.

Health Shots spoke to Divya Gopal, Consultant-Dietitian/Nutritionist, Motherhood Hospital, Banashankari, Bengaluru, to find out those unhealthy diet plans.

diets for weight loss
These diets may help with weight loss but we need to evaluate its overall effects on our health. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Gopal says, “If you have put on some weight recently and want to shed all the extra kilos in no time with the help of certain trendy diets by simply jumping on the bandwagon without understanding fully what your diet may do to your body, then you may want to think again.”

Here are 7 weight loss diet plans which you should avoid:

According to the expert, here are some diets which, if followed, should be pursued with caution:

1. Crash diet

A crash diet involves drastic reduction in calorie intake to see rapid weight loss results. It may help you to quickly lose weight. But if you engage in crash diets repeatedly, it is bound to slow down your metabolism, which could result in possible weight gain in the future. A crash diet is also capable of weakening your immune system and damaging your blood vessels because of the constant shrinking and growing process, thus impacting your overall heart health.

Also, read: Random diets and unplanned weight loss: 7 mistakes to avoid while managing PCOS

2. Paleo diet

A paleo diet, which mainly consists of meat, fish, fruits, and vegetables, can also prove to be bad for your health because it is high in saturated fats since meat and fish are extremely rich in protein. Saturated fats can cause increased levels of cholesterol, especially the unhealthy ones. Also, a paleo diet does not consist of dairy products which would make you deprived of calcium, which could in turn cause osteoporosis or other problems concerning the bone.

diets for weight loss
There are better ways to lose weight. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

3. Acid alkaline diet

An acid alkaline diet is inclusive of foods that are rich in protein and sugar, such as milk, grains, and legumes. These foods can alter the pH level of your urine, causing it to be acidic. A diet like this can also result in kidney stones being formed in your body.

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Also, read: Know the best and worst low carb foods for weight loss here

4. Keto diet

A keto diet is low on carbs and high on fats, which could result in low blood pressure, the formation of kidney stones, constipation, and a heightened risk of heart disease. A keto diet is also not advisable for you in case you have a pre-existing ailment concerning the liver, pancreas, kidneys, or heart.

5. Whole30 diet

A Whole30 Diet is followed for 30 days, and eliminates alcohol, sugar, legumes, and dairy, to name a few, from one’s diet. These foods may hamper your digestion as there is a lack of fibre in them. Your body may also become intolerant of certain foods after the 30-day period is over, and consuming those foods again may become a problem.

6. Cleanse diet

A cleanse diet predominantly consists of fluids. There is no evidence to prove that consuming too many fluids will help flush out toxins from your body. In fact, consuming too many liquids can put unnecessary pressure on your kidneys and reduce their ability to function properly.

diets for weight loss
This diet plan can take a toll on your kidneys! Image courtesy: Shutterstock

7. Dash diet

A dash diet, which eliminates sugar and saturated fats from your food, is known to significantly lower your blood pressure. However, if your BP is too low, then it can increase the risk of a cardiac arrest, a heart stroke or any other disease related to the heart. Apart from this, this diet, designed in the right manner, can help in controlling high blood pressure.

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About The Author
Aayushi Gupta
Aayushi Gupta

Aayushi Gupta is a health writer with a special interest in trends related to diet, fitness, beauty and intimate health. With around 2 years of experience in the wellness industry, she is connected to leading experts and doctors to provide our readers with factually correct information.

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