PERHAPS it's just that time of the year, but fad diets seem to be making an unfortunate comeback, according to new data from MyFitnessPal.
More and more Aussies are chasing quick fixes, with close to one in three (32%) looking to adopt a restrictive diet in 2025, despite almost three in four (71%) having already tried a fad diet in the past.
Extreme low-calorie diets (42%) are the most popular choice, while skipping meals (41%) and the raw food diet (18%) also topped the list.
Novelty diets like juice cleanses (6%), the baby food diet (5%), the grapefruit diet (4%), and the eggs and wine diet (3%) are also expected to make a resurgence in 2025.
"While restrictive diets may offer the temptation of a quick win, they often come at a cost - such as nutrient deficiencies and developing unhealthy eating habits as part of the process," PhD, habit researcher, and dietitian, Dr. Gina Cleo said.
"Instead of extreme approaches, Aussies should focus on making small and consistent progress towards their health goals in order to achieve long-term health results that last."
While fad diets are sweeping the nation, Tasmania is the biggest culprit by far, with 64% saying they will restrict their eating this year, followed by the Northern Territory (39%) and South Australia (35%), the research shows.
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