Weight Loss Programs

One thing that hasn’t changed in the last 20 years: the desire to lose that stubborn 5—or 10—pounds. Here are popular weight loss programs from then and now.

1999

The Atkins Diet: Dr. Atkins’ New Diet Revolution was one of the most popular diet books of 1999. To follow it, you avoid carbs and eat proteins and good fats.

The Zone Diet: Eat 40 percent carbs, 30 percent proteins, and 30 percent “good” fats each day.

The Grapefruit Diet: This debunked diet was popular in the 1970s and 1980s. Before every meal, you were to eat half a grapefruit or drink four ounces of graprefruit juice.

Weight Watchers: This program focuses heavily on community support and tracking food choices with a point system. The Momentum Plan advocated filling up on certain low-calorie foods with a lot of fiber, air, and water to stay satisfied longer.

2019

Keto Diet: The ketogenic diet calls for eating low-carb foods while filling up on protein and fat. The lack of carbs causes your body to reach a state of ketosis, where it runs out of fuel and burns fat instead.

Mediterranean Diet: Ranked number one on U.S. News & World Report’s Best Diets of 2019, this eating plan shuns red meat and focuses on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, and olive oil instead.

Paleo Diet: Stone Age man didn’t have the “luxury” of consuming all the unhealthy processed foods we eat today. This diet focuses on lean meats, fish, vegetables, fruits, and nuts, all believed to be prevalent during the Paleolithic era.

WW (formerly Weight Watchers):

A name change and a brand makeover aren’t the only updates to this popular diet plan.