Diet fads have always been a prominent part of the health and wellness industry, but with new trends emerging every year, it’s important to ask: who truly benefits from these ever-changing diets? While some people may achieve quick results, many others are left frustrated or even worse off. Before jumping onto the next big dietary trend, there are several key factors to consider. Understanding these factors can help you decide whether sticking with a fad diet is worth it, or if it’s time to look elsewhere for sustainable, healthy habits.
Diet Product Companies
Jenny Craig, Nutrisystem, Herbalife Nutrition, you may have heard of their weight loss and diet products. These diet fad brands jump on the bandwagon of every new diet trend, or in many scenarios, create their own. These companies advertise supplements, meal replacements, or special foods specifically designed for the fad diet, which in turn increase their own profit. Profit being the driving factor for many of these companies may lead to false or inflated advertising for the consumer. Many of the products never stay on the shelves long due to the “fast fashion” effect of the product.
Diet Book Authors and Influencers
Similarly, these Diet Fads are promoted through individuals and their product’s profit. In the age of digital advertisement and social media, trends tend to run ramped and spread fast. The caveat to that is that they never last long, so influencers need fast and effective marketing strategies to get you to spend your money. This strategy usually involves a fit popular influencer showing off their physique and praising their entire body on one product, which may be a book or pill. These influencers themselves may be so popular that they can create their own diet fad products through books, online programs, or personal coaching which can gain them significant income from followers like you. Because the driving motivation lies in profit gaining, you may be bamboozled by the lack of fast and results promised.
Media Outlets
You may also get your daily diet trends from other media outlets such as popular tabloid magazines, newspapers and or online programs. However, these sites generate clicks and attention by covering the latest diet trends and fads. They still promote these in most cases with little to no scientific backing. This puts the consumer at risk of false promises on the effectiveness of these so-called diets.
Severe Food Restrictions
If a diet is promising fast and easy results through severe food restrictions it is likely a fad. A popular diet fad you’ll hear is cutting meat or bread completely from your diet. Promising less bloating, more energy, and such. However, seldom do these diets have scientific backing for what they promise. You need to simultaneously make physical lifestyle changes for you to see the results that you need, and they don’t come as fast as they say.
Guilt-Inducing Language
Ever seen a fit celebrity talking about health in a condescending tone? This can cause the consumer to feel guilty about their weight and body causing what is known as body dysmorphia. This can lead to severe mental health issues, even for people who are medically considered healthy. Quickly, consumers may experience the reverse and extreme effects of these diet fads. Either heavy weight loss or weight-gain. These diet fads can cause serious bodily harm to you as the consumer.
Lack of Scientific Evidence
These diet fads usually lack the necessary scientific evidence that would allow for a trusted diet. Be wary of diets based solely on personal anecdotes or limited research. A quick Google search can help you determine the feasibility of these diets. Make sure the research is not sponsored by a particular company, brand, or popular online figure. While they may give research as a basis and foundation of their diet logic, most of the time it’s skewed to present a harmless narrative to gain traction for their products.
Focus on Quick Fixes Rather than Sustainable Habits
“Fast and Easy”! “Results in 90 days or your money back guarantee”! These quick diet fad schemes are all advertised to be so fast when in reality it is never that simple. if a brand, product, service, or influencer is promising fast results, you may need to reevaluate your decision to follow these latest diet trends. Even your favorite fit influencers work out consistently and have healthy diets prescribed to them by their doctors or nutrition specialists. The saying consistency is key is the golden phrase in the situation. In order to get the real tangible results you want you must practice health and sustainable habits.
Make Informed Choices for Long-term Success
Before jumping onto the next diet trend, consider these factors to make an informed decision. Rather than chasing quick fixes, focus on building sustainable, healthy habits that work for your body and lifestyle. Remember, health is a long-term commitment, not a race. If you’re unsure about what approach to take, consulting a healthcare professional or registered dietitian can provide you with the guidance you need to make lasting changes. Ultimately, the best diet is the one that benefits both your mind and body without the unnecessary hype.