Obesity in the United States is a big problem. Because the obesity rate is so high, so many diets have been established to try to reduce these ever-increasing rates. Many of these weight loss diets that have been established are known as fad diets. A fad diet is one that becomes popular quickly and may die out just as quickly. In the United States, there are some popular and healthy diets such as the Atkins diet, South Beach diet and Weight Watchers. The Atkins diet is one of the most popular diets. Carbohydrates play an important role in the Atkins diet. This diet is based on maintaining control of carbohydrate levels, with a process known as ketosis (Akins par. 3). Since carbohydrates are the body's primary energy source, keeping this level to a minimum causes the body to obtain energy from a different source. Instead of carbohydrates, stored body fat is burned. Carbohydrates also participate in the creation of insulin. Insulin is what turns extra carbohydrates into fat. Therefore, if the body takes in fewer carbohydrates it means less insulin is created. If less insulin is produced, less fat is produced resulting in weight loss (Atkins par. 5). The Atkins diet is also a 4-phase diet. The first phase of this diet is known as the induction phase. This specific phase lasts a minimum of two weeks. Along with this phase comes a limit of twenty grams of carbohydrates and no more. During this phase, the dieter is not allowed to eat bread, starchy vegetables, grains, or fruit (Atkins par. 4). During this phase the process of ketosis occurs. Phase two of this diet is called the continuous weight loss phase. This phase consists of adding mo...... half the paper ......ty percent more with greater weight loss than those who do not (Zelman par. 17). Weight Watchers can be a diet suitable for everyone, as long as it is followed correctly. It is obvious that Weight Watchers is a healthy and trendy diet. It doesn't force carbs and fats, but simply focuses on maintaining calories, unlike the Atkins diet and the South Beach diet. Additionally, Weight Watchers does not promote ketosis, which can also be unhealthy. When choosing a diet, the dieter should choose a diet that fits the appropriate calorie level and is also nutritionally balanced (Choice par. 2). Weight Watchers falls into that category. However, the Atkins diet and the South Beach diet are both healthy in their own ways, depending on the level of intake. Therefore, the Atkins diet, the South Beach diet, and Weight Watchers are just a few of the many popular and healthy diets in the United States..