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:

• Fill half your plate with non-starchy options like spinach, zucchini, and bell peppers.
• Include lean sources such as chicken, tofu, or eggs to preserve muscle mass.
• Add avocado, nuts, or olive oil for essential nutrients.
• Choose complex carbs like quinoa or sweet potatoes, but keep portions small.

Is Rapid Weight Loss Ever a Good Idea?

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.

5 Best Diets for Rapid Weight Loss in 2025

1. Jenny Craig Diet

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.

2. Ketogenic Diet

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.

3. SlimFast Diet

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.

4. WeightWatchers Diet

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.

5. Volumetrics Diet

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

Essentials of Rapid Weight Loss

Though effective diets, rapid weight loss comes with its challenges:

Water Weight vs. Fat Loss

Many rapid plans will initially cause water loss, which is sure to return after the normal eating habit is resumed.

Sustainability

Fad diets will always create an urge to consume and hinder one's ability to stick to a diet for long periods of time.

Nutrient Deficiencies

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.

Lifestyle Changes for Maintaining Weight Loss

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.

Soup debate between chicken and tomato may have come to an end, with a dietitian telling us which one is the healthier option. For many Americans, January is the National Soup Month, which means they go back to their comfort and easy to make food like soup. With the surge in flu activity in the US, people are consuming soup to get relief. Amid all this, Vandana Sheth, a plant-based dietitian and a diabetes expert tells Fox News the better option. The California-based dietitian says that both soups could be comforting. However, she points out, the nutrition profiles could vary based on the preparation.

Chicken Soup Vs Tomato Soup

Soup's nutrition profile runs through a spectrum of healthy to fatty and caloric. "Choose versions with no added sugars, minimal saturated fat and lower sodium to keep them healthy. When able, enjoy homemade or minimally processed options with fresh vegetables, lean protein and other fiber-rich options," she said.

Also Read: NHS England Expands Access To Life Saving Prostate Cancer Drug

What Is In A Chicken Soup?

Michelle Routhenstein, a New York-based cardiologist, as reported by Fox News, said a standard serving size of chicken noodle soup, which is around one cup, usually contains somewhere around 100 to 150 calories, with 6 to 10 grams of protein, and 500 to more than 1500 milligrams of sodium.

However, Routhenstein also says that homemade chicken soup could also provide lean protein, B vitamins, and immune supporting zinc. There have been studies that show that chicken soup have eased many from their cold symptoms, like nasal congestion and anti-inflammatory effects. However, not all chicken soups are safe. Commercially prepared soups may have a higher level in sodium, which could have a negative impact on blood pressure.

What Should One Keep In Mind?

When buying chicken soup, one should always check labels for its sodium content and ensure it must be under 500 milligrams per servings. Sheth also suggests looking out for added sugars and flavors. Sheth also said if the soup is made with lean chicken, vegetables and has a light broth, it can by more nutrient rich. She also recommends to avoid cream-based broth, which could be higher in saturated fat.

What Is In A Tomato Soup?

Tomato soups have a completely different nutrition profile. "Per 1 cup serving, you will get 70–150 calories depending on [whether] it's broth-based or cream-based, lycopene and vitamins A and C, which can help support eye health and immunity," Sheth said. The sodium content could be lower than in chicken soup, somewhere between 400 to 900 milligrams, especially in canned versions.

Sheth said that when compared to chicken soup, tomato soup trails on protein scale. While Routhenstein highlighted lycopene, as one of the biggest benefits of tomato soup. It is an antioxidant that "may help with reducing inflammation, heart disease and immune health".

"Lycopene has also been studied for its benefit [in reducing the] risk of prostate cancer. Tomato soup is also rich in vitamin C and potassium, which also protect heart and immune health," she added.

Which Soup Is Better?

Routhenstein says for her, it is tomato soup, because of antioxidant content. However, when it comes to protein and keeping you full, Sheth says chicken soup is a better option.

A key ingredient found in a common breakfast food may play an important role in supporting heart health and keeping blood sugar levels steady. Fibre is an essential part of a balanced diet, and the NHS recommends that adults aim for at least 30g of fibre each day. Despite this, many people still fall short of the daily target, often without realising the long-term impact on their health.

Why Fibre Matters For Heart And Blood Sugar Health

Fibre is not a single substance. It exists in two main forms, and each affects the body in a different way. Insoluble fibre does not dissolve during digestion. Instead, it passes through the gut largely unchanged, adding bulk to stools and helping the bowels move regularly. This can lower the risk of constipation and reduce the chances of developing intestinal blockages.

How Soluble Fibre Helps Control Blood Sugar Levels

Soluble fibre behaves differently. When it comes into contact with water in the digestive system, it forms a gel-like substance. This slows the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, helping to prevent sudden rises in blood sugar after meals. Because of this effect, soluble fibre can be particularly useful for people managing blood sugar conditions, including diabetes.

What Makes Beta-Glucan Especially Good For The Heart?

Beta-glucans are a specific type of soluble fibre that have attracted attention for their heart-protective benefits. According to the British Heart Foundation, beta-glucan is naturally present in all porridge oats and wholegrains. A standard 40g serving of porridge oats contains around 2g of beta-glucan, making it an easy addition to a heart-friendly diet.

Research suggests that beta-glucan may help improve blood sugar control over time. Studies have found that consuming up to 3.5g of beta-glucan daily can lower blood sugar levels and support better long-term glucose management in people with type 2 diabetes. A higher intake of beta-glucan has also been linked to a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes, likely due to its ability to slow sugar absorption.

Beta-Glucan And Its Link To Lower Cholesterol

Another study has highlighted the connection between regular beta-glucan intake and improved heart health. The findings showed that eating just 3g of beta-glucan each day for eight weeks led to a noticeable reduction in cholesterol levels. High cholesterol is a well-known risk factor for heart disease, so even small daily amounts of beta-glucan may offer meaningful benefits.

Sources Of Beta-Glucan

Beta-glucan is found in a wide range of natural foods, including:

• Oats
• Rye
• Shiitake mushrooms
• Peas
• Seaweed
• Yeast
• Reishi mushrooms
• Apples
• Algae
• Barley
• Wheat

Including a variety of these foods in meals can help increase fibre intake in a balanced way.

Possible Side Effects Of Increasing Fibre Intake

As beta-glucan is a form of fibre, increasing intake too quickly can cause mild digestive discomfort. Some people may experience bloating, wind, or constipation, especially in the early stages. These symptoms can often be reduced by staying physically active and drinking enough fluids throughout the day.

If you are concerned about how fibre affects your body, it is advisable to speak with your GP or a qualified health professional. They can offer guidance tailored to your needs. More information on increasing fibre intake and its health benefits is also available on the NHS website.

While the World Health Organization recommends 5g or a tablespoon of salt every day, Indians consume more than double, increasing their risk of having a fatal stroke exponentially.

According to EatRightIndia, Indians consume about 11g of salt each day through meals which can significantly increase their risk of high blood pressure, strokes and hypertension.

Hypertension causes over 1.6 million deaths annually, accounting for nearly 18 percent of all fatalities and heavily contributes to deaths caused by heart disease, stroke and kidney disease.

What Is Excessive Salt Dangerous?

The most important side effect of consuming excessive salt intake is high blood pressure. Salt causes the body to retain water, increasing the volume of blood in your vessels and leading to elevated pressure levels. If your blood pressure consistently measures over 140/90 mmHg, it's time to evaluate your salt consumption.

Over time, this can rapidly raise your risk for heart disease, stroke while also potentially contributing to stomach cancer and weakened bones. Additionally, high blood pressure damages kidneys and excess sodium can lead to kidney stones or disease.

Apart from a 5gm recommendation for adults, NHS suggests that children between seven to 11 years of age should not eat more than 5g of salt while those between four to six years of age should eat less than 3g of salt every day to maintain heart health.

How Can You Reduce Your Salt Consumption?

Both excessive and insufficient salt intake have been linked to adverse outcomes. Achieving the right balance is critical, and the best approach is to minimize processed food consumption rather than relying solely on the salt shaker.

Common items such as pickles, paapads, chutneys, salads and buttermilk significantly contribute to daily salt consumption. Hidden salts in packaged goods like biscuits, sauces, condiments and snacks also can increase your salt intake.

To cut down on your salt intake, experts recommend:

• Not adding salt in rice and dough for chapati, poori and paratha.
• Not sprinkling salt on salad, cut fruits, cooked vegetables or curd.
• Gradually reducing the salt usage while cooking from lesser to least.
• Limit food accompaniments like salted butter, salty spice mixes (chaat masala, jal jeera masala etc.), chutneys, pickles, ketchups, sauces and dressings as they contain excess salt.
• Baking soda, baking powder, and monosodium glutamate (MSG) also contains high sodium and should be avoided in your daily cooking.
• Not keeping salt on the table.
• Buying tinned vegetables, pulses or fish in water instead of brine.
• Being aware that some dissolvable tablets, such as painkillers, vitamins or prescription medicines, may be high in salt.