3 Reasons Fad Diets Don’t Work

Every new year, we tend to re-evaluate our health and think about new ways we can stay in shape. Sometimes, it includes trying the latest fad diet that we found on social media or heard about from family and friends. But this year, our primary care dietitian Anna Strano wants you to know that fad diets are not a solution for managing your health!

Here are her top three reasons why fad diets don’t work.

1. Fad Diets Can Be Harmful Dieting can have negative impacts on your physical and mental health. Because many of these diets are difficult to follow over long periods, they may cause you to feel like you failed or did not have the willpower to see it through – wrong! Diets do not give you the nutritional tools needed to make healthier decisions. You could also end up experiencing fatigue, weakness, and nausea, which are all side effects of your body not getting the nutrients it needs.
2. Fad Diets Are Not Realistic It’s important to ask yourself, “Could I eat this way for the rest of my life?” Fad diets are unnecessarily restrictive. You may often end up feeling dissatisfied and frustrated with your food choices. And while you may be able to stick to the diet for a short period, the heavy restrictions may cause you to make even unhealthier food choices.
3. Fad Diets Do Not Include the Nutrients You Need Some diets cut out entire food groups, and many of them lack major nutrients like fiber and carbohydrates. Diets also don’t include all of the vitamins and minerals you need. Because of this, you can develop serious health problems.

Instead of focusing on dieting in 2022, think about ways you can be the healthiest version of yourself for this year and beyond. Anna emphasizes that simple changes like drinking more water, increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables, and staying active, are all ways you can see drastic positive changes in your health. And, if you’re not sure you know how to start making healthy changes on your own, our team has the tools and knowledge to help you succeed.

At Grady, our dietitians and team involved with our Food As Medicine Program make it easier for patients to eat healthily. Patients also get the guidance they need to successfully manage illnesses and decrease the risk of major organ diseases.

Get the Care You Need

If you have concerns about your health, Grady specialists are here to help.

Whether you need a checkup, treatment for an illness, or help managing a chronic condition, Grady’s primary care physicians are here to help. Book your appointment online at gradyhealth.org, through MyChart, or call (404) 616-1000. With convenient locations across metro Atlanta, you’ll have access to expert primary care and Grady’s full network of specialty services.

Continue Your Health Journey

Want to learn more about staying healthy? Visit Grady’s Health Library for trusted, physician-reviewed information on symptoms, diseases, preventive care, medications, wellness, and more. Whether you’re managing a chronic condition or looking for healthy lifestyle tips, you’ll find reliable resources to help you make informed decisions about your health.