Popular Weight Loss Diets – Are They Scientifically Proven?

There are literally dozens of weight loss diets out there that claim to be the best when it comes to shedding off those unwanted pounds. Some focus on calorie counting while others go for the traditional appetite control method. However, what these diets fail to inform the public is that each person will react differently to whichever diet they choose. Some may find one diet method effective, while others will not.

So, how do you determine which one is the best diet plan for you? That’s where scientific fact and research come in. We have taken a look at the 5 most popular weight loss diets and put each to the test to learn how it works, the downsides and if it is effective.

1. Vegan Diet

A vegan diet consists of removing all types of meat, dairy, eggs, and animal based products in your daily diet. A vegan diet can effectively cause weight loss due to having low fat and high fiber intake. This type of diet is mostly effective when partnered with a strict calorie per day intake.

The additional benefits of a vegan diet are the significant reduced risks of developing heart disease and type-2 diabetes. Limiting or avoiding processed meat is also connected to a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and cancer.

The downside to this diet is the fact that your diet will mostly consist of plants and you will have no access to nutrients commonly found in meat. Most vegans will need to take special supplements as their diet will leave them lacking in vitami
B12, vitami
D, iron, calcium, iodine, zinc and omega 3 fatty acids. All of which are essential for a healthy body.

2. The Atkin’s Diet

The Atkin’s Diet consists of four stages. The first stage of the diet will need you to lower your carbohydrate intake to less than 20 grams per day. The first stage lasts for about two weeks. The following stages will usually consist of integrating healthy carbohydrates back into your daily diet. The low-carb diet used here has been scientifically proven to be quite effective for most people. The Atkin’s Diet also shows promise when it comes to maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, cholesterol and blood pressure. This is one of the safest and most effective weight loss diets that you can use today.

3. Intermittent Fasting

Another successful method when it comes to weight loss, intermittent fasting has proven to help individuals lose about 3% to 8% of their body fat within 3 to 24 weeks. This diet consists of strict daily food intake requirements and causes less muscle loss than your normal calorie counting method. Other benefits linked to intermittent fasting include reduced cases of inflammation, lower cholesterol and lower blood sugar levels.

The only downside to intermittent fasting is that it is not for everyone. Studies have shown that this diet does not yielded the same positive results with women as compared to men. Also, fasting is not for everyone and anyone who is interested in using this type of diet should first consult with a health professional before committing.