There are a host of diets to chose from, with an NHS backed plan, intermittent fasting and slimming clubs all popular. Which is best for you to try in 2021?
NHS weight loss plan
The NHS lays out the details of the plan on their website, and said: “The plan is designed to help you lose weight at a safe rate of 0.5kg to 1kg (1lb to 2lb) each week by sticking to a daily calorie allowance.
“For most men, this means sticking to a calorie limit of no more than 1,900kcal a day, and 1,400kcal for most women.”
The plan is broken down into 12 weeks, covering diet and exercise as well as weekly challenges.
READ MORE: Weight loss: Why am i not losing weight after exercise and diet changes?
Keto diet
A very low carb, high fat diet plan, this is not one for vegetarians due to its heavy reliance on meat.
But for those who do eat meat, it is often touted as a filling and satisfying way to lose weight.
The reduction of carbs puts the body into a metabolic state known as ketosis. The body becomes more efficient at burning fat for energy.
Followers eat 70 percent fat, 20 percent protein and 10 percent carbs.
Paleo diet
Put simply, this diet consists of foods cavemen would recognise – those that can be hunted or gathered.
Anything processed, with added salt and grains such as wheat, dairy and potaoes, are off the menu.
It is similar to the Keto diet as both are low carb, but Paleo focuses on protein rather than fat.
Scientific studies of the plan have been small so far, with no definitive evidence it can lead to weight loss.
Intermittent Fasting
There are variants of this plan, but the most popular is the 5:2 diet, which sees followers restrict their calorie intake two days a week.
Others prefer to follow the 16:8 plan, which means only eating during an eight hour window of the day.
Those on the plan praise its simplicity, but the NHS warns “evidence on the effectiveness of the 5:2 diet is limited when compared with other types of weight loss methods”.
Mediterranean Diet
High in fresh fruit and vegetables as well as oils such as olive oil, this diet follows the way of eating traditionally seen in Mediterranean countries such as Greece, Spain, and Italy.
It is low on dairy and meat intake.
Numerous studies have linked the diet to not only weight loss but prevention of heart attacks, strokes and type 2 diabetes.
However, this is a lifestyle approach rather than a rapid weight loss diet, and followers should expect results to take more time than other plans.
