When it comes to losing weight or improving health, following a well-balanced and sustainable diet is crucial.

However, with countless fad diets flooding the market, it can be challenging to determine which ones are genuinely beneficial and which ones are potentially hazardous. The British Dietetics Association (BDA) has compiled a list of diets that they consider to be the most hazardous, based on their potential negative impacts on health.

1. The Ketogenic Diet

The ketogenic diet is a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet that has gained popularity in recent years.

While it can lead to short-term weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity, it can also have negative effects on heart health, as it typically includes high amounts of saturated fats. Additionally, the restrictive nature of the diet may lead to nutrient deficiencies and difficulty in maintaining a balanced eating pattern.

2. The Dukan Diet

The Dukan Diet is a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet that consists of four phases. While it may result in quick weight loss, it is nutritionally imbalanced and lacks essential nutrients found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

The diet may also lead to increased levels of uric acid, potentially leading to kidney problems or gout.

3. The Paleo Diet

The Paleo Diet, based on the presumed diet of Paleolithic humans, emphasizes meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds while excluding grains, legumes, and dairy products.

While it encourages whole foods and limits processed foods, it may be deficient in key nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D due to the exclusion of dairy. Furthermore, the diet’s restriction on grains and legumes may lead to nutrient deficiencies and an imbalanced gut microbiota.

4. The Alkaline Diet

The Alkaline Diet suggests that certain foods can alter the body’s pH levels, promoting overall health and preventing diseases. However, the human body regulates its pH levels regardless of the foods consumed.

This diet often restricts dairy, meat, and grains while promoting fruits, vegetables, and alkaline water. The restrictions can lead to nutrient imbalances and potential deficiencies.

5. The Blood Type Diet

The Blood Type Diet proposes that an individual’s blood type should determine their dietary choices.

While some blood type-specific recommendations align with healthy eating patterns, there is no scientific evidence to support the claims that blood type influences dietary requirements. The diet restricts certain food groups, potentially leading to nutrient deficiencies.

6. The Baby Food Diet

The Baby Food Diet involves replacing regular meals with jars of baby food to restrict calorie intake. Although it may lead to weight loss due to the limited calorie intake, it is highly impractical and nutritionally inadequate for adults.

The diet lacks essential nutrients found in a well-balanced adult diet, and its long-term sustainability is questionable.

7. The Cabbage Soup Diet

The Cabbage Soup Diet is a short-term weight loss plan that involves consuming large amounts of cabbage soup for seven consecutive days.

While it may result in rapid weight loss due to severe calorie restriction, the diet is unbalanced and lacks key nutrients. It can also cause digestive discomfort and leave individuals feeling fatigued.

8. The Breatharian Diet

The Breatharian Diet is an extreme diet that claims humans can survive without food and water, solely living on air and sunlight. This diet is not only hazardous but also impossible.

It can lead to severe malnourishment, dehydration, and ultimately be fatal. This dangerous diet should never be attempted.

9. The Military Diet

The Military Diet is a three-day, calorie-restricted diet plan that claims to assist in rapid weight loss. Despite its name, it is not affiliated with any military organization.

While short-term weight loss may occur due to the limited calorie intake, it is not sustainable or nutritionally balanced. The diet may result in a loss of muscle mass and leave individuals feeling deprived.

10. The Master Cleanse Diet

The Master Cleanse Diet, also known as the Lemonade Diet, involves consuming a mixture of lemon juice, water, maple syrup, and cayenne pepper for several days.

While it may lead to temporary weight loss, it is highly restrictive and lacks essential nutrients. Additionally, prolonged fasting may have adverse effects on metabolism, muscle mass, and overall wellbeing.