What are the Most Popular Diets? Expert Reveals the Pros and Cons
Are you aware that 40% of Americans are committed to a diet, but the big question remains: Which diet truly promotes optimal health and sustainability? Have you explored the pros and cons to determine the best fit for your lifestyle?
A recent study conducted by ketolog.com unveils the Top 10 Trending Diets of 2023 a comprehensive guide that dives into the most popular and effective dietary plans shaping our eating habits today. This study reveals that Weight Watchers also known as WW lead the pack as the world’s most popular diet, with a massive 2.1 million monthly searchers and 7.55 million Hastage worldwide! In contrast, the Alkaline Diet rounds out the list at the 10th spot, with 144k monthly searches and 977K hashtags worldwide.
The team at ketolog.com analyzed these trendy diets focusing on weight loss, health, and overall well-being. The evaluation of diets was based on online search frequency and hashtag mentions on Instagram. Diets were then ranked from the most to the least popular, each receiving a score out of 100. This methodology not only highlighted the relative popularity of each diet but also allowed the advantages and drawbacks of each to be explored, providing insights into which diet may be the most beneficial for specific health goals or lifestyle preferences.
Top 10 Most Popular & Trending Diets of 2023
1. Weight Watchers (WW)
WW scoring a mighty 95/100 in popularity, is famed for its success in weight loss, counting celebrities like Oprah among its followers. It stands out with 2.1 million monthly searches and over 7.5 million hashtags. It promotes weight management without supplements, focusing on smart eating and coaching.
Pros
- Personalized coaching supports motivation.
- Emphasizes sustainable lifestyle changes.
- Allows flexibility with a focus on balance.
- Includes all food groups for nutritional adequacy.
Cons
- Monthly costs can be high (~$67 plus coaching).
- Long-term commitment required to prevent relapse.
- Point tracking may be socially challenging.
2. Keto Diet
The Keto Diet, with a popularity score of 92/100, transitioned from medical treatment for epilepsy to a widely adopted regimen for weight loss and health management. It boasts 13,362,755 hashtags and 1,014,000 monthly searches, indicative of its massive following.
Pros
- Effective for rapid weight loss.
- May improve blood sugar control.
- Can reduce risk factors for certain diseases.
Cons
- Possible ‘Keto flu’ symptoms during adaptation.
- Risk of nutrient deficiencies without careful planning.
- Restrictive nature may challenge long-term adherence.
3. Mediterranean Diet
The Mediterranean Diet earns its 60/100 popularity score through its rich history and health-promoting qualities. With 1,154,000 monthly searches and 742,355 hashtags, it’s widely recognized for its nutritious variety and association with longevity.
Pros
- Linked to reduced risks of heart disease and diabetes.
- No need to measure portions or count calories.
Cons
- Vague portion sizes could lead to overeating.
- Complexity in meal planning may hinder long-term commitment.
4. Whole30 Diet
Scoring 56/100 in popularity, the Whole30 Diet’s 30-day food elimination strategy is aimed at revitalizing gut health and detecting food sensitivities, drawing 108,000 monthly searches and 6,361,390 hashtags.
Pros
- Targets cravings and blood sugar spikes.
- Uses affordable, common ingredients.
Cons
- Excessively stringent, with potential social implications.
- Insufficient long-term research evidence.
5. Plant-Based Diet
The Plant-Based Diet, distinct from veganism, ranks 5th with a score of 52/100, achieving 104,500 monthly searches and more than 5.4 million hashtags, emphasizing environmental sustainability and chronic disease prevention.
Pros
- Promotes weight loss and chronic disease risk reduction.
- Flexible approach to dietary choices.
Cons
- Possible nutritional deficiencies if not well-planned.
- Social and practical difficulties due to its interpretation.
6. GOLO Diet
At a 50/100 popularity score, the GOLO Diet focuses on hormone balance for weight loss, supported by 822K monthly searches and 82.3K hashtags, and includes its own line of supplements for diet support.
Pros
- Encourages a balanced diet with limited processed foods.
- Addresses insulin regulation for weight management.
Cons
- Insufficient independent scientific research.
- Additional costs for supplements and specific foods.
7. Paleo Diet
With a 40/100 popularity score, the Paleo Diet appeals to those seeking a return to basics, highlighted by 2.1 million hashtags and 210K monthly searches, and is lauded for its simplicity.
Pros
- Focuses on natural, whole foods.
- Simplicity in its dietary approach.
Cons
- Risk of nutrient deficiencies.
- Difficult to sustain due to its restrictive nature.
8. Noom Diet
Noom, with a popularity score of 35/100, utilizes a unique colour-coded system and psychological dieting strategies, gaining 334K monthly searches and 341K hashtags.
Pros
- Emphasizes long-term behaviour change for weight management.
- Personalized coaching support.
Cons
- Requires an ongoing subscription cost.
- Time-consuming food logging and interaction with the app.
9. Carnivore Diet
The Carnivore Diet, in 9th place with 226K monthly searches and 794K hashtags, is as straightforward as it is controversial, offering a diet limited exclusively to animal products.
Pros
- May lead to quick weight loss.
- Simplified dietary choices with no carb counting.
Cons
- High in saturated fat and sodium.
- Socially restrictive and challenging to maintain.
10. Alkaline Diet
Rounding out the top 10 with a score of 32, the Alkaline Diet has captured the attention of 144K monthly searchers and 977K hashtag users, focusing on the body’s pH levels and whole-food consumption.
Pros
- Focuses on the consumption of whole, plant-based foods.
- Potential for short-term weight loss benefits.
Cons
- Strict food guidelines may be difficult to follow.
- Limited scientific evidence to support long-term health claims.