Why does the South Beach diet not work?

Author: Gunnar Langworth  |  Last update: Thursday, December 18, 2025

While some experts acknowledged that the South Beach diet can help people lose weight, it's typically only for a short term during the initial phase. Long-term weight loss and management on this diet is challenging largely due to its complexity and potential nutritional deficiencies.

What are the drawbacks of the South Beach diet?

Risks. The South Beach Diet is generally safe if you follow it as outlined in official South Beach Diet books and websites. However, if you severely restrict your carbohydrates, you may experience problems from ketosis.

Does the South Beach diet actually work?

During phase 1, which lasts two weeks, most people can expect to lose up to 13 pounds, mainly in water weight. Although there is little research on South Beach, it does suggest the diet is an effective way to lose weight in the short term. But whether following the diet keeps the weight off long term is unproven.

What happened to South Beach Diet Company?

Nutrisystem has purchased the South Beach Diet brand, which has more than 23 million books in print, for $15 million. Arthur Agatston, the cardiologist who created the diet, will join the Nutrisystem Science Advisory Board.

What does the South Beach diet restrict?

The South Beach diet is a nutrient-dense, fiber-rich diet encouraging complex carbohydrates such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and legumes while limiting simple sugars and refined white flour (1).

The Early Show - South Beach Diet doc: Why America is getting fatter

Do doctors recommend the South Beach diet?

While some experts acknowledged that the South Beach diet can help people lose weight, it's typically only for a short term during the initial phase. Long-term weight loss and management on this diet is challenging largely due to its complexity and potential nutritional deficiencies.

Do any celebrities use the South Beach Diet?

So, what celebrities are South Beach Diet followers? Nicole Kidman is one, along with Oprah Winfrey, Bill Clinton, Lorna Luft, Bette Midler and Kim Cattrall of “Sex in the City” fame. Each of these individuals claimed great results from adhering to the weight loss plan.

Did Nutrisystem buy South Beach Diet?

The company launched its mobile platform in 2010. WebDiet, Inc., a Silicon Valley startup, accused Nutrisystem of stealing their technology, but the case was dismissed in May, 2014. In 2015, the firm acquired the South Beach Diet brand.

Are protein shakes allowed on South Beach Diet Phase 1?

Q: Can we take protein shakes in South Beach Diet Phase 1? Dr. Agatston: Protein shakes alone can be dangerous. If they are taken to supplement good vegetables, salads, and good oils, they should be fine.

What diet loses the most weight fastest?

Very Low-Calorie Diet (VLCD)

On a VLCD, you may have as few as 800 calories a day and may lose up to 3 to 5 lb (1.5 to 2 kg) week. Most VLCDs use meal replacements, such as formulas, soups, shakes, and bars instead of regular meals. This helps ensure that you get all of the nutrients you need each day.

Can you eat potatoes on the South Beach diet?

Choose from protein or vegetable list or eat nuts from fats list. In addition to avoiding milk, fruits and starch in Phase 1, also avoid: Vegetables: beets, carrots, corn, white potato, tomato, sweet potato, yams.

Is quinoa ok for a South Beach Diet?

Foods to eat during phase 2 include: Foods from phase 1. Whole grains including whole grain bread, whole wheat pasta, brown rice, barley, quinoa.

What diet is Weight Watchers?

Contrary to several other diets, Weight Watchers does not focus on the calories but simplifies food selection with a points-based system named "SmartPoints", where each food type is assigned a point value calculated according to their nutrient and energy density. A point equals 50 cal.

What is the caveman diet called?

“The paleo diet is based on foods that humans ate during that Paleolithic era, which was about 2.5 million to 10,000 years ago,” says Zumpano. The paleo diet may also be known as the Stone Age diet, the caveman diet or the hunter-gatherer diet.

What are the cons of the South Beach Diet?

Although the South Beach Diet is generally safe and beneficial, it also has a few possible downsides. These include: Risk of ketosis: Ketosis is when your body does not have enough carbohydrates to burn for energy.

Did South Beach Diet go out of business?

MidOcean Partners acquired the South Beach Diet brand in partnership with its founder Dr. Arthur Agatston and will relaunch new and improved South Beach Diet branded foods, including its high protein and high fiber cereal and diet bars, as well as move into the exciting new health and wellness food categories.

What fat is in South Beach Diet?

On the South Beach Diet, you'll enjoy saturated fats in moderation along with healthier unsaturated fats from nuts, seeds, avocados, as well as olive and other plant oils. It's easy to use too much olive oil when you're cooking dinner.

Is peanut butter on South Beach Diet?

Sweet yet salty, all natural peanut butter is the perfect addition to your snack menu to maintain your Healthy Fat intake. Spread two tablespoons across some celery sticks for a little punch of flavorful crunch, and you'll be in peanut butter bliss in no time!

Can I eat tomatoes on South Beach Phase 1?

Phase 1 is the strictest and includes: A lot of protein, such as beef, poultry, seafood, eggs, and cheese. Some fats, including canola oil, extra-virgin olive oil, and avocado. Carbs with the lowest glycemic index, including vegetables such as broccoli, tomatoes, spinach, and eggplant.

How much weight can you lose on a South Beach Diet?

The South Beach Diet may be new to you, but it has existed for several years-long enough to have helped hundreds of people lose weight easily and keep it off. How you'll change: After two weeks, you will be somewhere between 8 and 13 pounds lighter than you are today.

Can I eat popcorn on a South Beach Diet?

It's important to avoid microwave popcorn as manufacturers often include trans fats or partially hydrogenated oils. Also beware of kettle-cooked popcorn because it's loaded with sugar. If you want to add more flavor to your popcorn, try a drizzle of avocado or olive oil and seasoned salt.

Can you have chocolate on South Beach Diet?

Sweet Treat: Sugar-Free Dark Chocolate

It also has potassium, phosphorous, zinc and selenium, making it one of our favorite snack ideas. Just watch your serving size and count sugar-free dark chocolate towards your daily Extras on the South Beach Diet.

Is Mayo OK on South Beach Diet?

Mayonnaise

Remember: The South Beach Diet is not a low-fat diet. Your body needs the nutrients and heart-disease-fighting ingredients in Healthy Fats, which is why olive or avocado-oil based mayonnaise is on the approved list. (You're welcome!) Remember to watch your serving size, though.

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