Best Diets Rankings for 2018 – U.S. News & World Report

As many Americans resolve to become more invested in their health and wellness in the New Year, U.S. News & World Report, the global authority in rankings and consumer advice, today released its annual assessment of the year’s Best Diets. In addition to rankings, the Best Diets platform offers extensive data and information on 40 diet plans across nine categories to help the estimated 45 million Americans who diet each year – and millions more globally – achieve healthier lifestyles.

For the first time, the Mediterranean Diet ranks as a Best Diet Overall, tying for the No. 1 spot with the DASH Diet. Research suggests the Mediterranean Diet, a well-balanced eating plan, boosts longevity and helps prevent a number of chronic diseases. The Flexitarian Diet takes the No. 3 overall spot, followed by Weight Watchers at No. 4 and a three-way tie for No. 5: MIND Diet, TLC Diet and Volumetrics.

Weight Watchers continues to hold onto the No. 1 spot for Best Weight-Loss Diets, Fast Weight-Loss Diets and Best Commercial Diets. Jenny Craig moves up a spot from 2017 to No. 2 Best Commercial Diet, followed by a tie for third between the Nutritarian Diet and Flat Belly Diet.

This year, U.S. News ranked two new diets: the Keto Diet and Nutritarian Diet. The popular Keto Diet – a low-carb, high-fat regimen – ties for last on the Best Diet Overall list. The Nutritarian Diet, created by Dr. Joel Fuhrman, president of the Nutritional Research Foundation, and designed to promote health and longevity, ties for No. 15 for Best Diet Overall.

To calculate the rankings, U.S. News convened an expert panel of the country’s top nutritionists, dietary consultants and physicians specializing in diabetes, heart health and weight loss. Through an in-depth survey, each panelist scored the 40 diets in nine categories, including ease of compliance, likelihood of losing significant weight in the short and long term, and effectiveness against cardiovascular disease and diabetes. For further details on how the rankings were calculated, see the methodology.

“There is an established theme of what is considered healthy eating, but no single diet is the best for all of us,” said expert panelist Dr. David Katz, director of the Yale University Prevention Research Center. “The U.S. News Best Diets rankings reliably address the expertise from diverse nutrition professionals in evaluating diets. Ultimately, a ‘best’ diet is one that can be adopted, managed and sustained over time.”

Alongside the Best Diets rankings, U.S. News offers editorial content, plus expert analysis tailored to individual diets. Editorial pieces this year explore “Eating for the Whole Body,” with advice on how to eat for healthy muscles, for your digestive system, plus how to determine the best diet for you.

U.S. News 2018 Best Diets Rankings
Full lists available here.

Best Diets Overall
1. DASH Diet (tie)
1. Mediterranean Diet (tie)
3. Flexitarian Diet

Best Commercial Diets
1. Weight Watchers
2. Jenny Craig
3. Flat Belly Diet (tie)
3. Nutritarian Diet (tie)

Best Weight-Loss Diets
1. Weight Watchers
2. Volumetrics
3. Jenny Craig (tie)
3. Vegan Diet (tie)

Best Fast Weight-Loss Diets
1. HMR Diet (tie)
1. Weight Watchers (tie)
3. Biggest Loser Diet (tie)
3. Medifast (tie)
3. SlimFast (tie)
3. Volumetrics (tie)

Best Diets For Healthy Eating
1. DASH Diet (tie)
1. Mediterranean diet (tie)
3. Flexitarian Diet (tie)
3. TLC Diet (tie)

Easiest Diets to Follow
1. Mediterranean Diet
2. Flexitarian Diet (tie)
2. Weight Watchers (tie)

Best Diets for Diabetes
1. Mediterranean
2. DASH Diet
3. Flexitarian Diet (tie)
3. Mayo Clinic Diet (tie)
3. Vegan Diet (tie)
3. Volumetrics (tie)
3. Weight Watchers (tie)

Best Heart-Healthy Diets
1. DASH diet
2. Mediterranean Diet (tie)
2. Ornish Diet (tie)

Best Plant-Based Diets
1. Mediterranean Diet
2. Flexitarian Diet
3. Ornish Diet

To view the full list, visit Best Diets