Why are diet fads often criticized?

Diet fads are often criticized because they typically emphasize quick and short-term results rather than promoting sustainable, long-term lifestyle changes. Many of these diets restrict certain food groups or require extreme caloric limitations, which can lead to temporary weight loss but may not be maintainable over time. This focus on rapid results can result in a cycle of yo-yo dieting, where individuals lose weight quickly, but then regain it once they return to their usual eating habits.

Sustainable dietary changes, in contrast, encourage a balanced approach to nutrition that can be maintained throughout life, supporting overall health in the long run. In this context, the criticism of diet fads highlights the importance of developing healthy eating habits that align with an individual's lifestyle rather than short-term strategies that may yield temporary success but fail to foster long-lasting health benefits.