2023 is Your Year for a New You!

While obesity has become a widespread problem across the country, more men have been found to be struggling with their weight in comparison to women. A study published in Public Health and Nutrition found that statistically, 42.43% of men were obese compared to 41.36% of women. While this isn’t too much of a gap, it shows that more men need to pay attention to their weight and overall health.

If you are struggling with your weight in the new year, one of the best ways to lose weight is to go on a diet. Yet, a quick search on the internet will show that there are lots of diets to choose from. However, not all diets are the same and some plans can yield better results for certain body types and goals. Below are just a few of the popular diets:

Keto Diet

The popular Keto diet regimen has made a name for itself over the past few years, relying heavily on reducing carbohydrates and increasing fat intake to trigger ketosis. This is “a metabolic state where your body burns fat and produces chemicals called ketones”.

This particular diet has proven to be very effective for men. In one clinical study “15 overweight or obese men and 13 premenopausal women were asked to follow either a very low-carb keto diet (VLCK) or a low-fat diet (LF). Both genders responded favorably to VLCK. Men specifically lost more body mass, total fat mass, and trunk fat mass on VLCK versus LF”.

For those also trying to build muscle, Keto’s heavy reliance on protein makes this an effective diet for muscle growth. Overall, Keto is great for those looking to make a complete lifestyle change.

SlimFast Diet

The SlimFast diet has gained popularity among those that want to shed extra pounds quickly. To follow this diet, you need to accurately count the calories you consume and only eat one full “sensible” meal a day with three small SlimFast snacks in between. It is claimed that you can lose up to two pounds a week on this plan.

This method of dieting is for those who want instant weight loss. However, it is not a sustainable program in the long run as “weight maintenance after plan completion isn’t well promoted”.

The SlimFast diet is therefore best for those who aren’t too overweight and are only planning to adhere to the plan to reach short-term weight loss goals.

WeightWatchers Diet

For men that struggle with problems such as cravings and portion control, WeightWatchers’ doctor-recommended weight loss programs could be the best option. They help members lose weight and build healthy habits, which has been proven to be more effective than fad diets built solely on restrictions.

Rather than counting calories, it encourages people to look at the nutritional value of meals. The program’s points system also means people can eat the things they love in moderation. This ensures that you will be getting all your dietary needs while also losing weight.

WeightWatchers’ diet programs are great for those who want to make slow but steady progress toward weight loss and a healthier lifestyle.

Mediterranean Diet

The science-backed Mediterranean diet is a program inspired by those living around the Mediterranean Sea. It is another less restrictive program that focuses on the consumption of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seafood, as well as a high intake of olive oil – all of which are great for overall health.

The Mediterranean diet is perfect for men looking for a healthy non-restrictive diet to change their eating habits. But if you are someone who struggles with controlling your cravings, it might not be ideal for you. The freedom you have with this diet can come with its downsides, as it can easily lead to overeating if not monitored.

Despite this, it is still a highly effective way to lose weight, when done correctly, without putting too much pressure on yourself.

Before choosing which diet to go on, be sure to lay down your weight loss goals and consult your doctor to pick one that is right for you. For more men's health and wellness, check out our other articles.