HEALTH TOPICS 
The skinny on popular diets
Bestselling diet plans don't necessarily work any better than do-it-yourself programs.
If losing weight was one of your New Year's resolutions and you have already quit your diet, don't despair. Many off-the-shelf diets come with the seeds of failure — restriction, deprivation, hunger, and cravings — already planted.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise