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Nutrition.gov
U.S. Department of Agriculture

What You Should Know About Popular Diets

Learn how to evaluate claims made by weight loss products and diets. Find information to choose weight loss strategies that are healthy, effective and safe for you.

  • Healthy Weight

    When it comes to weight loss, there's no lack of fad diets promising fast results. But such diets limit your nutritional intake, can be unhealthy, and tend to fail in the long run.

    • HHS, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

  • Avoid Dangerous HCG Diet Products

    Learn information about the human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) diet.

    • HHS, Food and Drug Administration

  • Tainted Weight Loss Products

    Review the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) warnings and public notifications before starting a weight loss supplement.

    • HHS, Food and Drug Administration

  • “Detoxes” and “Cleanses”: What You Need To Know

    Discover what research says about the safety and effectiveness of detoxes and cleanses for weight loss.

    • HHS, National Institutes of Health, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health

  • Know the Science: 9 Questions To Help You Make Sense of Health Research

    Ask yourself these 9 questions when reviewing new research studies.

    • HHS, National Institutes of Health, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health

  • Know the Science: The Facts About Health News Stories

    Do you learn about new health research from the news or media? Use these tips to make sure you're getting the facts. 

    • HHS, National Institutes of Health, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health

  • Probiotics: What You Need to Know

    Get the facts on probiotics, including what they are and how they work in the body.

    • HHS, National Institutes of Health, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health

  • Calorie Restriction and Fasting Diets: What Do We Know?

    Learn about fasting diets and why this fad may not be safe or realistic.

    • HHS, National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Aging

  • Choosing a Safe and Successful Weight-loss Program

    Discover where to start when choosing and evaluating a weight loss program.

    • HHS, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

  • Some Myths about Nutrition & Physical Activity

    This information may help you make changes in your daily eating and physical activity habits so that you improve your well-being and reach or maintain a healthy weight.

    • HHS, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

  • Learn About Gluten-Free Diets

    When do you need a gluten-free diet? What foods contain gluten? Get the answers here.

    • HHS, National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus

  • Dietary Supplements for Weight Loss

    This fact sheet describes what’s known about the safety and effectiveness of many ingredients that are commonly used in weight-loss dietary supplements.

    • HHS, National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements

  • Fad Diet Red Flags

    Learn what signs to look for when considering a diet or weight loss program.

    • Department of Defense, Uniformed Services University, Consortium for Health and Military Performance

  • The Truth Behind Weight Loss Ads

    Watch this video to learn how to spot false promises in weight loss ads.

    • Federal Trade Commission

  • Mindful Eating

    What is mindful eating? How can you try it at home? Read this handout to find out!

    • U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

  • Finding the Truth I: Reliable Nutrition and Health Information

    This publication will give you a head start in making a rational decision about the nutrition and health information you see.

    • North Dakota State University Extension Service