Signs of an Unhealthy, Dangerous, or Fad Diet

Fad diets and “crash” diets may lead to quick weight loss, but they are often unsustainable and may come with health risks. Some fad diets may present themselves as “not a diet,” so it’s helpful to analyze them carefully and look for warning signs. In this video, learn the signs of a diet that you should be wary of. 

You can read more about the dangers of crash diets here.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Marisa Taylor Karas

Marisa Taylor Karas is a freelance journalist based in Brooklyn who has covered health, gender, and technology for 15 years. She previously worked at The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, and Al Jazeera America, among other publications, and also served as managing editor of the Mellon Foundation in New York City.

Reviewed by:

Karen Hovav, MD, FAAP

Karen Hovav, MD, FAAP, has more than 15 years of experience as an attending pediatrician. She has worked in a large academic center in an urban city, a small community hospital, a private practice, and an urgent care clinic.

Our editorial standards

Meet our experts