Be it the GM Diet, Atkins' or South Beach, every fad diet focuses on cutting food quantities and omitting certain nutrients.

Although their results vary between people, they have a fan following that swears by it. Unfortunately, they are just quick-fix solutions.

Confessions of a fad dieter…

"It was a matter of days before I regained all the weight I lost."
 

Asmita Jaikar, 23 years
BPO executive

Asmita was initially impressed by the South Beach diet, which advises a low-carb, low-fat, high-protein plan. "I gave up rice, rotis, bread and pasta. I started my day with a bowl of plain dal and fruit. It was difficult to stick to the diet, because I frequently eat out given the nature of my work," she admits.

After three painstaking weeks and losing four kilos, Asmita finally gave in to her craving for chocolates and potato snacks. "It was a matter of days before I regained all the weight I'd lost. Now, I eat everything and make time for exercise to attain weight loss goals," she says.

Find out if Diet Products are Really Diet Friendly?

"I just lost interest in food." 

Davina Braganza, 22 years
Copywriter

Davina tried the GM diet - a weight-loss plan designed by General Motors for employees. The diet allocates a day each for a specific type of food i.e.: soups, vegetables and fruit, bananas and milk, etc.

For Davina, the first few soup days were just fine. "I felt light and healthy but soon got fed up. There was a stage when I was supposed to have eight bananas through the day - I thought this would be an easy target. Ironically, I couldn't do so. I lost interest in food, which was scary. Besides, I abandoned the diet midway. Needless to say I regained every pound I lost," she laments.

Watch Sushila Sharangdhar video on diet tips.