Sydney, Australia, 9 January 2025 – Fad diets are making a concerning comeback as Australians seek quick-fix solutions to achieve their health goals this year, according to a new survey by leading nutrition and food tracking app, MyFitnessPal. In fact, close to one in three (32%) Aussies are looking to adopt a restrictive approach to their nutrition in 2025, despite almost three in four (71%) having tried a fad diet in the past.
Extreme low-calorie diets (42%), skipping meals (41%) and the raw food diet (18%) topped the list of the most popular fad diets Australians are likely to try. Meanwhile, novelty diets of the past including juice cleanses (6%), the baby food diet (5%), the grapefruit diet (4%), and the eggs and wine diet (3%), are set to make a resurgence in 2025.
According to the research, fad diets are pervasive across the country, with Tasmania (64%), Northern Territory (39%) and South Australia (35%) most likely to restrict themselves, which will continue to see many prioritise unrealistic standards of perfection over a healthier and more balanced approach to their goals.
PhD, habit researcher, and dietitian, Dr. Gina Cleo said, “While many Australians are turning to the longstanding tradition of diet culture in an attempt to achieve quick results - sustainable and long lasting success comes from balance, not restriction. Instead of extreme approaches, Aussies should focus on making small and consistent progress towards their health goals in order to achieve long-term health results that last."
The new data reveals how Aussies' diet habits continue to follow an unsustainable trend of deprivation and restrictive eating, with over four in ten (41%) admitting to fasting and 26% having resorted to intermittent meal skipping in the past. One in ten (10%) also report having resorted to meal replacement and formula diets before.
"While restrictive diets may offer the temptation of a quick win, they often come at a cost - such as nutrient deficiencies and developing unhealthy eating habits as part of the process. Small, consistent changes to eating habits, such as opting for meals rich in protein and fibre instead of processed food high in sugar, can lead to better, more lasting results without the need for extreme approaches," continued Dr Gina Cleo.
Against the backdrop of extreme dieting, Australians are also searching for other ways to cut out food groups. Currently, nearly half of Australians (49%) are planning to cut specific foods out of their diet this year, including sweets and sugar (73%), fast food (55%), carbs (43%), Australian classics (33%), like meat pies and sausage rolls, and fats (31%), such as oil and butter.
Nutritionist and MyFitnessPal ambassador, Michaela Sparrow said, “While Aussies plan to prioritise health and fitness in 2025, it’s clear that many are still falling into the common trap of setting unachievable goals. Instead of taking a hard and fast approach to cutting out specific foods, it's important to focus on balance and consistency over time, tracking daily nutrition and making small adjustments to stay on track towards meaningful, lasting changes.”
By tracking your progress and making gradual, balanced changes to your diet, you'll be better equipped to make lasting progress towards your health goals. Discover MyFitnessPal by visiting: www.myfitnesspal.com or downloading the app for free via the Apple App Store or Google Play.
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About MyFitnessPal
MyFitnessPal is the #1 global nutrition and food tracking app founded in 2005 with a mission to help people around the world reach their health goals through better food choices by providing knowledge, motivation, and a sense of progress. Supporting nearly 1 million people in reaching their nutrition and fitness goals every year, and with a community of over 250 million users in 120 countries, MyFitnessPal offers members one of the world’s most comprehensive nutrition and food tracking platforms, allowing them to track their food, record exercise activity, and log their weight. With one of the largest food databases in the world comprising over 19 million foods, access to over 2,000 recipes, more than 40 workout routines, and over 40 connected fitness partners, MyFitnessPal provides members with the tools for positive healthy change.
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For more information about MyFitnessPal, contact: myfitnesspal@iconagency.com.au