Fad Diets

The definition of a fad diet is very subjective. Many people use the term to deride what they consider is a poor weight loss diet. However a fad diet is simply a weight loss diet that becomes very popular (often quickly) and then may fall out of favor (sometimes just as quickly).

A list of fad diets can very depending on the author. Just because a diet is called a "fad" does not necessarily mean the diet is a failure.

List of Fad Diets

Atkins Although written in the 1970s, Atkins Diet Revolution became a huge phenomenon only in the last few years.
Cabbage Soup Diet This diet is not sustainable but continues to fall in and out favor.
Negative Calorie Diet Based on a concept with little science to back it up.
Low Fat diet Very popular during the 1980s and 1990s.
Low Carb diet Experienced a huge surge in popularity during 2003-2004 - but interest began to decline towards the end of 2004.
3 Day diet There are many incarnations of 3 day diet floating around. These kind of diet are popular due to the promise of instant gratification. There is never any long term success with such a diet.
Zone Diet Many consider the Zone diet to be a fad diet - however this diet continues to remain popular with many.
South Beach Diet The South Beach continues to be one of the biggest selling diet books of all time. Enthusiasm for the diet has not yet faded, and it maybe unfair to call this a fad.

Other Fad Diet Contenders

Grapefruit diet, Hollywood diet, Beverly Hills Diet, FatLoss4Idiots, Apple Cider Vinegar Diet.

Other Definitions of a Fad Diet

Some nutritionists define a fad diet by a series of questions rather than assessing popularity: