Part 1Select one “fad weight loss diet” and use the following criteria to evaluate the diet.

1)List the name of the fad weight loss diet you selected and why you chose to analyze that particular fad diet.

2) A fad diet limits food selection to a few food groups or promotes specific “rules” related to eating times or food combinations.

• Does this diet have a specific menu or list of foods to include or avoid? Explain.

• Are there any specific “rules” that must be followed while on the diet? If so, give examples.

3) A fad diet promotes rapid weight loss of more than 1-2 lbs./week and is generally less than 1200 kcals per day.

• What is the rate of weight loss that this diet promises to achieve?
• Are you able to determine the estimated kcals per day?

4) A fad often promises that you will not need to do any exercise in order to lose weight.

• Does the diet mention the need to exercise as part of the diet plan?

5) Some fad diets require that you purchase special foods, weight loss patches, expensive supplements or other products.

• Does this diet require the purchase of any of these items?If so, what is the cost of these additional items?

6)Many fad diets do not recommend making changes in activity or eating habits (behavior modification) or may recommend an eating pattern that is unrealistic or offers no other support beyond a book on the diet.

• Does this diet mention maintenance or strategies on how to be successful beyond the weight loss period? Explain.

7)Most fad diets are not based on science or may claim to have a scientific discovery that appears to be based on research. Others are based on anecdotal reports from celebrities or weight loss “experts”.

• Does the diet make any claims of a scientific breakthrough or use spokespersons that promote the diet? Explain.

8)Find one research article or one credible website that informs consumers about the pros and cons regarding this fad diet. Some suggested websites are www.webmd.com, www.mayoclinic.com,and www.eatright.org.

• Summarize the article or website’s analysis of the fad diet and provide a citation (APA).

Part IIAnother viewpoint is that it may be better for individuals to focus on healthy behaviors rather than continually going on a diet and regaining weight. This is considered the “non-dieting” approach to achieving a health weight.

Go to https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/size-diversity-health-every-sizeto learn more about the Health at Every Size movement and how it might be relevant to individuals struggling with body acceptance or an eating disorder.

• What would happen if we were to focus on healthy behaviors instead of weight loss “solutions”?

Part IIISelf-Reflection

• How has this assignment helped you to develop critical thinking skills in evaluating weight loss diets or changed your perspective on dieting?