Learn the Differences Between the Latest Fad Diets

A fast-food mentality. A preoccupation with slender figures. A sedentary lifestyle. What do all of these statements have in common? These are leading factors in America's infatuation with weight loss and dieting.

An estimated 50 million people will try a diet this year, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. Most seek advice from books and television diet gurus. Some consult support groups, doctors and clinical programs. In the end, we have turned the weight-loss industry into a billion-dollar business, says the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Leading the weight-loss trend are fad diets that promise amazing results in relatively short amounts of time. Millions try these diets with varying degrees of success. Their effectiveness has been the subject of debate and their safety often questioned. However, they're usually the first type of a diet a person will try in lieu of traditional calorie reduction and exercise.

If you're thinking about going a diet, there is enough information out there to make your head spin. Here is a breakdown of the top fad diets, listing their pros and cons and a brief description of what they entail:

It's perhaps the most well-known and popular fad diet of our time. This program has spawned a low-carbohydrate wave across the country. Now, most food companies, fast-food restaurants and the like offer lower-carb options to complement the program.

The plan: You eliminate most carbs early in the program and then slowly reintroduce some later on as weight loss milestones are achieved. Emphasis is placed on eating high protein foods and certain foods high in saturated fat.

Bad: Atkins encourages dieters to skip some fruits and vegetables, which many health experts feel can deprive the body of much-needed vitamins, fiber and water. Also, it has not yet been proven if the permissible fatty foods contribute to increased bad cholesterol levels or heart problems down the road.

Good: Following the diet will make you lose weight -- at least 15 pounds initially. However, some of this weight loss is due to water loss and reduced caloric intake, which occurs by limiting the foods you eat.

Riding the waves of Atkins' success, this diet is the one on the market today. Celebrities and regular folks alike have touted its wonders.

The plan: According to the Diet's official Web site, "The South Beach Diet is not low-carb, nor is it low-fat. Rather, it teaches you to rely on the right carbs and the right fats and enables you to live quite happily without the bad carbs and bad fats." Like Atkins, certain foods are "banned" initially and then reintroduced later on.

Bad: Giving up the foods you love cold turkey can discourage many dieters. They may feel like they are being deprived.

Good: You do get to indulge in meats, cheeses and bacon. You will lose 8 to 13 pounds in the first two-week phase but, again, this is probably attributed to water loss.

Once a Hollywood staple (Brad and Jen were reported to have favored it), still a favorite among dieters.

The plan: You control insulin production by balancing protein and carbohydrate consumption at meals to help you metabolize foods more efficiently and lose weight. The insulin-control component of the program can be described as a moderate-carbohydrate, moderate-protein, and moderate-fat dietary program. It is a lifelong program.

Bad: This diet focuses on a limited caloric intake, which most nutritionists say is too stringent to be healthy over the long haul. Experts agree that the 40 percent carbs, 30 percent protein and the 30 percent fat equation doesn't necessarily help you reach a metabolic state that will keep you thin, but rather, eating smaller portions will.

Good: It's an easy-to-follow plan that will guide you on correct portion size and help you control food intake.

The Slim-Fast Plan -- It's endured popularity for years and has had notable celebrity endorsements.

The plan: Meal and snack replacements shakes and bars are enjoyed at breakfast and lunch instead of regular foods , and the dieter eats a "sensible" dinner.

Bad: Deprivation feelings may be common with this diet. Many people do not feel full with the diet's shakes and snack bars, which provide a controlled amount of calories. They may then sneak snacks or food in addition to having the meal replacements.

Good: Packaged foods are pre-portioned and portable. Plus, the plan is simple to follow. An emphasis is placed on eating a balance of healthy foods, combined with moderate exercise.

Most nutritionists agree that a healthy balance of portion control, reduced caloric intake and exercise are the keys to weight loss. However, some feel that fad diets can be used to jump-start weight loss when necessary. Before embarking on any diet program, consult with your doctor for a health assessment and to determine which plan is right for you.