Weight loss, to feel healthier, to prepare for a specific event, or just as a boost in the fitness journey, is on most people's bucket list. Rapid weight loss does need to be approached with care because of potential health risks. In that case, five of the well-researched diets from U.S. News & World Report on Best Diets can be of help in losing pounds efficiently in 2025.
Even when aiming for rapid results, balance and nutrition are key. Structure your meals as follows:
Rapid weight loss may be beneficial to people who face health issues, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. In this regard, when their BMI is greater than 30, the very low-calorie diet may be recommended by physicians. These VLCDs may help in controlling risks and facilitating a healthier weight, which further minimizes the chances of suffering from severe conditions, including postmenopausal breast cancer and colon cancer.
For others, rapid weight loss may serve as a motivational impetus but should be balanced with efficacy and sustainability. A healthcare provider should be consulted before beginning any weight loss program.
The Jenny Craig Diet is a highly structured meal program that provides clients with prepackaged, portion-controlled foods to manage calorie intake while teaching them healthy eating habits. This also includes the practice of intermittent fasting for better effects.
One thing that differentiates Jenny Craig is one-on-one coaching. Members receive individualized advice on the timing of meals, portion control, and balanced eating, leading to sustainable weight loss. The average weight loss for participants is 1–2 pounds per week, which makes it a very practical approach for people seeking steady, fast results.
The ketogenic diet, or keto, emphasizes high-fat and low-carb foods to induce ketosis, a state where the body burns fat for energy. This approach leads to significant weight loss, especially in the initial stages.
Beyond weight loss, keto is also said to improve mental acuity, energy, and stabilization of blood sugar. However, the diet's strictness comes at a great cost. Fattening avocado, fatty fish, nuts, and lean proteins are the stars, while carbohydrates in the form of bread, pasta, and sugar are banished.
For individuals who want a convenient, time-saving diet, SlimFast offers effective meal replacement solutions in the form of shakes, bars, and smoothies. It is great for losing up to 20 pounds, meaning participants can get to their goals in 8–10 weeks.
While convenient, it's important to balance other meals with nutrient-rich foods in order to avoid deficiencies. SlimFast is ideal for a busy person who cannot find time for meal planning but wants to lose weight rapidly.
WeightWatchers, recently branded as WW, combines the strengths of behavioral science, nutrition, and technology into a total solution for weight loss. In their point system, users get the freedom to choose from hundreds of foods.
WW is more than a weight loss program, offering programs designed for people with diabetes or those on GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic. The program is comprehensive with a strong app, recipes, and support groups, making it accessible and effective.
The Volumetrics Diet flips the conventional diet on its head, focusing on low-calorie-density foods that are high in nutrients. Think fruits, vegetables, broth-based soups, and whole grains. Participants eat filling, water-rich foods, so they consume fewer calories while still feeling satisfied.
Volumetrics isn't a restriction diet but rather a lifestyle, teaching one portion control and how to eat. It's not a diet, as most of the ingredients can be sourced at any local grocery store.
Also Read: 20-Minute At-Home Pilates To Tone Up And Burn Fat
Though effective diets, rapid weight loss comes with its challenges:
Many rapid plans will initially cause water loss, which is sure to return after the normal eating habit is resumed.
Fad diets will always create an urge to consume and hinder one's ability to stick to a diet for long periods of time.
Eliminating specific food groups entirely can lead to the omission of necessary vitamins and minerals.
These three challenges can be overcome by focusing on rapid weight loss as the stepping stone to good lifestyle changes. This should be complemented with exercise, mindful eating, and stress management to sustain progress.
Quick diets may be a great starting point, but sustainable lifestyle habits are essential for long-term success. These include regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and control of stressors. All of these can maintain a healthy weight.
In any case, all these diets focus on achieving one goal- that of general wellness. Begin small, and create a base upon which to sustain long-term outcomes.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not replace medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before starting any diet, especially if you have preexisting health conditions.
Credits: Canva
As the use of anti-obesity medicines like Ozempic continues to grow, more people are trying to understand what daily life looks like on these injections. Beyond weight loss results, concerns often centre on side effects, especially those linked to digestion. Many users of GLP-1 agonist medicines report gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, and heartburn. In recent months, another pattern has caught attention. Several people say they feel sick after eating greasy or oily food.
To understand why this happens, we spoke to Dr Pratayksha Bhardwaj, World Record Holder Dietician and Weight Management Specialist, who explains that this reaction is more common than people realise.
Ozempic, medically known as semaglutide, was originally developed to help manage Type 2 diabetes. It is now widely prescribed for weight management because of how it influences appetite and digestion.
According to Dr Bhardwaj, Ozempic works by slowing down gastric emptying and acting on appetite-regulating centres in the brain. “Food stays in the stomach longer, and the feeling of fullness comes earlier than usual,” he explains. This change helps people eat less but also alters how the body handles certain foods.
Fatty and oily foods naturally take longer to digest. When this process is further slowed by Ozempic, the stomach can struggle to cope with heavy meals.
Dr Bhardwaj says that eating large portions, especially foods high in fat, can overwhelm the digestive system. “When fatty foods sit in the stomach for too long, they can trigger nausea, vomiting, or even diarrhoea,” he notes. This is why some people feel unwell shortly after eating fried snacks, fast food, or rich gravied dishes.
Many patients worry that vomiting after eating greasy food might be a sign of an allergic reaction. Dr Bhardwaj clarifies that this is not the case. “This response is physiological, not allergic,” he says. It reflects how the body adapts to the medication rather than an intolerance to the drug itself.
Clinically, doctors observe that tolerance for oily foods drops sharply after starting Ozempic. Vomiting is more commonly reported during the early stages of treatment or when the dose is being gradually increased.
Interestingly, this reaction can support healthier eating habits. Dr Bhardwaj points out that the discomfort acts as a natural reminder to change food choices. Patients are often advised to eat smaller portions, reduce fat intake, and include more fibre-rich vegetables in their meals.
Lower-fat foods are easier to digest and less likely to cause nausea. Over time, many people find that their preferences shift away from heavy, greasy meals.
While occasional nausea can be expected, persistent vomiting should not be ignored. Dr Bhardwaj advises consulting a doctor if symptoms continue. In some cases, a dose adjustment or personalised nutrition plan may be needed to reduce discomfort while continuing treatment safely.
Ozempic can be effective, but understanding how it interacts with food is key to managing side effects and maintaining long-term health.
Credits: Instagram
Lionel Messi is here in India and is ready for his touch down in Delhi on December 15 as part of his GOAT (Greatest of All Time) Tour's India visit. Argentina's World Cup-winning captain is also set to visit Hyderabad after his visit in Delhi, for now, he has met his fans in Mumbai and Kolkata. All things said and done, what every one is always curious about is a sports person's fitness regime. The 38-year-old football star undergoes a strict fitness regime, which includes consistency, but it is not based on heavy lifting, but agility training, and a simple not-too-fancy diet.
However, his fitness journey was not traditional in any manner. In fact, during his early years, he was known for eating without much of a thought. So, what changed him? What is his secret to a fit life?
In 2013-14 World Cup, which was disappointing for Messi, ESPN India reported that Messi improved his performance by adapting a new diet. Charly Rexach, the then FC Barcelona's sporting director, who signed the then 13-year-old Messi to the club in 2000 on a napkin, said that Messi had previously "eaten too many pizzas".
In an interview to America TV's La Cornisa, Messi admitted about his eating habits and poor diet, which had even led to bouts of vomiting, nausea, and even lethargy. The footballer said, "I don't know what I ate, but I ate badly for many years. At 22, 23...[it was] chocolate, alfajores [South American sandwich cookies], fizzy drinks."
It was nutritionist Giuliano Poser who helped Messi make changes in 2014. His diet was nothing fancy, nothing too difficult, but it was controlled.
Messi's new diet was based on five pillars:
Messi also shared in an interview, "Now I eat well: fish, meat, vegetables, salads. Everything is organized and taken care of. Sometimes a bit of wine, but that's not a problem."
This diet helped him reduce inflammation and recover his muscles faster. When it came to avoiding certain foods Poser stressed the importance of eating little sugar and refined flour. Poser called these two "the worst thing for the muscles". "The farther he stays away from sugars, the better. Refined flours are also a big problem as these days, it’s difficult to find uncontaminated wheat.”
Studies published in the Journal of Athletic Training and Journal of Physical Therapy Science, show that dehydration increases markers of muscle damage and inflammation after exercise. Research also notes that adequate hydration supports blood flow and nutrient delivery, which are essential for muscle repair.
Research in Nature and the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry highlights that extra virgin olive oil contains oleocanthal and polyphenols, compounds shown to have anti-inflammatory effects similar to mild anti-inflammatory drugs, helping reduce muscle soreness and inflammation.
According to studies in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, whole-grain intake is associated with lower levels of C-reactive protein, a key marker of inflammation. Their complex carbohydrates and magnesium content support muscle function and recovery after physical activity.
Research published in Nutrients and Sports Medicine shows that antioxidant-rich fruits like berries and citrus help reduce oxidative stress caused by exercise, which can otherwise delay muscle recovery and increase inflammation.
Large observational studies, including reports in The BMJ, link high vegetable intake with reduced systemic inflammation. Their vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals support immune response and tissue repair, aiding post-exercise muscle recovery.
As per reports, Messi's training is not as rigorous as players like Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo, but it does not mean that there is not consistency. In fact, his primary training focuses on three factors:
The footballer’s fitness does not come from heavy weightlifting. Instead, it is built on a balanced routine that focuses on strength training, agility, speed, extensive stretching, and overall muscle health. His workouts include short, explosive sprints, bounding drills like hurdle hops and pillar skips, all aimed at keeping his body sharp, responsive, and match-ready.
Credits: Canva
Mounjaro has reshaped weight-loss journeys by powerfully reducing appetite, but doctors are now flagging an important concern. Dr Hasia, who recently addressed this on her Instagram, explained that when food intake drops sharply on Mounjaro, protein intake often falls with it. The result is weight loss that may include muscle, not just fat.
Mounjaro works by influencing hormones that control hunger and blood sugar, helping people feel full faster and eat less. Dr Hasia notes that while this is effective for fat loss, it can quietly lead to muscle breakdown if protein is not prioritised. When protein is low, the body turns to muscle tissue for essential amino acids, weakening the body over time.
In her Instagram post, Dr Hasia shared a simple guideline for those using Mounjaro. Aim for 1.0 to 1.5 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight each day. For example, a person weighing 70 kilograms should target roughly 70 to 100 grams of protein daily. This amount supports muscle preservation even when overall calories are reduced.
Rapid weight loss can sometimes lead to sagging skin and weakness. According to Dr Hasia, protein supports collagen production, which helps maintain skin firmness. It also preserves strength, making day-to-day activities easier and reducing the sense of physical depletion some people report while on Mounjaro.
On days when full meals feel difficult, Dr Hasia recommends small protein-rich snacks. Boiled eggs, edamame, tuna cups, cottage cheese, or a simple protein bar can help meet daily needs without overwhelming the stomach. These options make it easier to stay consistent.
Dr Hasia also highlights the importance of spreading protein throughout the day. Instead of eating it all at once, aiming for 20 to 30 grams per meal allows better absorption and ongoing muscle support. On Mounjaro, consistency matters more than portion size.
Protein, as Dr Hasia reminds her followers, is not an extra on Mounjaro. It is a foundation. Protecting muscle now helps protect metabolism
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