Top 10 Diets Overall
U.S. News evaluated and ranked 41 diets with input from a panel of health experts. To be top-rated, a diet had to be relatively easy to follow, nutritious, safe, effective for weight loss and protective against diabetes and heart disease. The Mediterranean diet took the top spot, while the government-endorsed DASH diet, which stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, came in second. See the full list here.
Read the Best Diets methodology
#1 in Best Diets Overall
With its emphasis on fruits, vegetables, olive oil, fish and other healthy fare, the Mediterranean diet is eminently sensible.more
4.2/5 Overall Score
3.0/5 Weight Loss
4.9/5 Healthy
#2 in Best Diets Overall
DASH fights high blood pressure and was praised for its nutritional completeness, safety, ability to prevent or control diabetes, and role in supporting heart health.more
4.1/5 Overall Score
3.1/5 Weight Loss
4.8/5 Healthy
#3 in Best Diets Overall
The Flexitarian Diet, which emphasizes fruits, veggies, whole grains and plant-based protein, is a smart and healthy choice. One panelist noted that this diet is “a nice approach that could work for the whole family.”more
4.0/5 Overall Score
3.4/5 Weight Loss
4.7/5 Healthy
#4 in Best Diets Overall (tie)
The MIND diet aims to prevent mental decline, and “overall, this is a healthy, sensible plan that has science behind it,” one expert concluded.more
3.9/5 Overall Score
2.8/5 Weight Loss
4.6/5 Healthy
#4 in Best Diets Overall (tie)
Weight Watchers scored the highest for overall weight loss and fast weight loss, and experts said it’s a smart, effective diet.more
3.9/5 Overall Score
3.7/5 Weight Loss
4.5/5 Healthy
#6 in Best Diets Overall (tie)
The Mayo Clinic Diet aims to make healthy eating a lifelong habit, and earned praise for its nutrition and safety.more
3.8/5
Overall Score
3.2/5
Weight Loss
4.5/5
Healthy
#6 in Best Diets Overall (tie)
Volumetrics earned high marks for being safe and nutritious, and experts said it could have a positive effect on heart health and diabetes.more
3.8/5 Overall Score
3.5/5 Weight Loss
4.5/5 Healthy
#8 in Best Diets Overall
TLC is particularly good at promoting cardiovascular health and is a very solid diet plan with no major weaknesses.more
3.7/5 Overall Score
2.9/5 Weight Loss
4.6/5 Healthy
#9 in Best Diets Overall (tie)
The Nordic Diet is based on 10 principles of healthy eating, including eating more fruits and vegetables, more whole grains, and more food from the seas and lakes.more
3.6/5 Overall Score
2.8/5 Weight Loss
4.5/5 Healthy
#9 in Best Diets Overall (tie)
The Ornish diet is nutritionally sound, safe and heart-healthy, but it’s not easy to adhere to the severe fat restriction the diet demands.more
3.6/5 Overall Score
3.3/5 Weight Loss
4.2/5 Healthy
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