Is the Dukan diet truly the worst? According to a comprehensive review by U.S. News & World Report, which evaluated 41 popular diets, it lands at the bottom. Health experts assessed them based on four key criteria: short-term weight loss, long-term weight loss, ease of adherence, and overall health benefits. As the panel noted, "a diet must be easy to follow, nutritious, safe, effective for weight loss, and protective against diabetes and heart disease."
The high-protein Dukan diet is highly restrictive, leading to rapid initial losses of up to 10 kilos in the first week. However, many regain the weight post-diet. Relying heavily on protein poses long-term risks like kidney strain and nutritional deficiencies. While effective short-term, it's challenging to sustain due to strict rules, earning a low score of 1.9/5.
Just ahead of Dukan in 40th place is the Body Reset diet, scoring 2/5. This hypocaloric plan, split into three 5-day phases, starts with three smoothies replacing meals, progresses to two smoothies and one solid meal, and ends with one smoothie and two solid meals. Its primary drawback? Lack of nutrition.
In contrast, the Mediterranean diet claims first place with a strong 4.2/5. Emphasizing fruits, vegetables, fish, and olive oil without limits—while moderating red meat—this balanced, nutrient-rich approach supports heart health and is far easier to maintain.
Before starting any diet, consult a doctor. View the full rankings on the U.S. News site.
