Are quick-fix diets the answer?

Are the Atkins, Zone, and Carbohydrate Addict's diets the secret to losing weight? These plans focus on limiting carbohydrates--grains, beans, fruits, rice, potatoes, pasta, and starchy vegetables. Moreover, Atkins allows an individual to eat as much meat, eggs, cheese, butter, and cream as desired. Follow it and you likely will lose weight quickly, probably faster than people following a low-calorie diet. How can that be?

Researchers believe that weight reduction from a low-carbohydrate diet largely comes from a loss of water and muscle. When you do not have enough carbohydrates, your body begins to burn the stored variety for energy, which releases a lot of water weight. The body then breaks down lean body tissues in an effort to provide glucose for energy and brain function.

However, fast weight loss does not make it an effective or safe diet, reports Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource. Dieters who stick with either a traditional, low-calorie or low-carbohydrate diet have similar results over time, while there is no research on the long-term health effects of a low-carbohydrate diet.

The bottom line is: Be wary of diets that promise a quick fix. While the traditional approach to weight loss--cutting calories, eating more fruits and vegetables, and increasing exercise--is not quick, it is a proven path to improved health and lasting weight control.

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