With more than half of the adult population of the U.S. considered overweight, it's no surprise that millions of people are seeking ways to lose weight. And it's also not surprising that weight loss programs and publications are springing up to help in those efforts.

But it's important to avoid falling into the trap offered by so-called fad diets. These promise weight loss through programs or diets that are easy, allow favorite foods or foods traditionally limited in weight loss diets without limitations, and they do not require a major shift in exercise habits. Food choices are often monotonous, and caloric intake may be very restricted, so that once the novelty wears off, so does the motivation to continue, warns the American Dietetic Association.

Some of the popular diets promote low carbohydrate and high protein intakes. According to nutrition experts, these are nothing more than low-calorie diets in disguise, but they have some potentially serious consequences. It's true that following a low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet will encourage the body to burn its fat. However, without carbohydrates, fat is not burned completely and substances called ketones are formed and released into the bloodstream. Abnormally high levels of ketones - called ketosis - may make dieting easier, since they typically decrease appetite and cause nausea. However, ketosis also increases the levels of uric acid in the blood, which is a risk factor for gout and kidney disease.

Following such diets can also lead to dehydration, diarrhea, weakness, headaches, dizziness, and bad breath. They can worsen kidney disease, and, over the long term, can increase the risk of atherosclerosis and osteoporosis.

Few of these published diets offer solid scientific support for their claims. Most evidence is based on theories and testimonials about short-term results. The fact is that hundreds of published papers from respected researchers have shown repeatedly that weight loss can be achieved and maintained through a combination of restricted calories and increased physical activity. Click here for more information on recommended weight loss strategies.

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