Fad diets work for permanent weight loss.

Fad diets are diets that often promise quick weight loss or tell you to cut certain foods out of your diet. You may lose weight at first on one of these diets. They can be hard to follow. Most people quickly get tired of them and regain any lost weight.

Fad diets may be unhealthy because they may not provide all of the nutrients your body needs.

Studies show that, losing weight at a very rapid rate (more than 3 pounds a week after the first couple of weeks) may increase your risk for developing gallstones (clusters of solid material in the gallbladder that can be painful). Diets that provide less than 800 calories per day also could result in heart rhythm abnormalities, which can be fatal.

The best way to lose weight and keep it off, according to research, is by making healthy food choices, eating moderate portions, and building physical activity into your daily life. Safe dieting should mean losing ½ to 2 pounds a week .

Source NCHS