One of the only proven ways for healthy, long-term weight loss is healthy eating and exercise.
This has led several people to turn to fad diets, said Jessica Arnold, a certified dietitian and graduate student, in a presentation Monday on fad diets.
It appeals to many people looking for a short-term fix rather then making long-term changes in their eating habits.
According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, fad diets also become popular because many work for a short time.
However, most people are not able to keep up with the demands of a diet that strictly limits their food choices or requires them to eat the same foods over and over again.
These diets should be used with caution, as they may result in significant health problems.
With high-protein diets, weight is lost primarily through water loss and decreased appetite.
Fewer carbohydrates in the body leads to less water retention, while protein causes the body to feel more full.
Diet pills appeal to people wanting to lose weight without changing their diet or exercise.
Weight loss with diet pills is caused by a change in hormone levels as well as caffeine, which causes decreaseappetite.
The idea with these diets, such as SlimFast and protein shakes, is that substituting liquid for a meal causes weight loss.
The reason for this is decreased caloric intake.
However, there is often an inadequate nutrient intake.
The grapefruit diet or the cabbage soup diet are diets which require strict food choices.
Many people lose weight because of limited calories, but most people quickly grow tired of eating a specific food ever day and quit these diets.
When looking for a proper weight loss plan, there are warning signs which can help reveal a fad diet, Arnold said.