In the never-ending quest for a healthier body, longer life, or slimmer waistline, diets have become both trendsetters and lifestyle blueprints. From celebrity endorsements to viral TikTok transformations, popular diets spread fast—sometimes faster than the science can keep up. But not every nation welcomes these trendy eating habits with open arms.
While some people swear by certain regimens, others, particularly governments and health organizations overseas, raise red flags about their safety, sustainability, or cultural fit. In fact, several high-profile diets embraced in places like the United States or United Kingdom are outright banned—or strictly restricted—in other parts of the world.
1. The Dukan Diet: Forbidden in Brazil
Developed by French doctor Pierre Dukan, this protein-heavy, low-carb diet took the Western world by storm, promising rapid weight loss through strict phases of eating. However, Brazilian health authorities have condemned and banned the Dukan Diet due to concerns about nutritional imbalance and potential long-term harm. Critics argue the diet lacks essential fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats, making it unsustainable and potentially dangerous when followed for extended periods.
Brazil’s ban stems from a broader effort to promote balanced eating habits and curb the popularity of fad diets. Despite its glamourized image in Europe and the U.S., in Brazil, the Dukan Diet is seen as a public health risk rather than a wellness solution.
2. The Tapeworm Diet: Illegal in the United Kingdom
The Tapeworm Diet is one of the most extreme and controversial weight-loss methods ever imagined—intentionally ingesting a tapeworm to lose weight. Despite its origins dating back over a century, some desperate individuals have tried to revive it through unregulated pills and online sellers. In the United Kingdom, the diet is strictly illegal, with health authorities warning of severe, even life-threatening consequences, including organ damage and neurological complications.
British regulators classify this practice as unsafe, unscientific, and unethical, making the import, sale, or use of tapeworms for weight loss a criminal offense. Even in a world obsessed with quick fixes, this diet crosses a line most nations—including the UK—refuse to tolerate.
3. The Very Low-Calorie Diet (VLCD): Heavily Restricted in Australia
Very Low-Calorie Diets (VLCDs) usually limit daily intake to 800 calories or fewer and are often marketed through shakes, bars, or soup replacements. While these diets can lead to rapid weight loss, Australia imposes strict regulations on who can follow them and under what conditions. According to Australian health policy, VLCDs must be medically supervised, particularly because of their risks to cardiovascular health, metabolism, and mental well-being. Dietitians in Australia are particularly vocal about the potential dangers of following such extreme caloric restrictions without professional guidance. For Australians, VLCDs aren’t a free-for-all strategy but a medical tool used cautiously and under tight regulation.
4. The Carnivore Diet: Discouraged and Regulated in Canada
The Carnivore Diet, which promotes eating only animal products and excluding all plant-based foods, has gained traction thanks to high-profile influencers and online communities. However, in Canada, this diet has triggered backlash from medical experts and regulatory bodies due to its high saturated fat content and lack of essential nutrients like fiber and antioxidants. While not technically “banned,” the Carnivore Diet is discouraged by Canada’s dietary guidelines and can’t be promoted by registered health professionals without facing potential disciplinary actions. Public health campaigns across the country have been launched to counter the diet’s growing popularity, citing increased risks for heart disease and kidney damage. As a result, it’s increasingly difficult to find Canadian nutritionists or doctors who support or legally endorse the approach.
5. The Fruitarian Diet: Banned for Children in Italy
The Fruitarian Diet, a restrictive plant-based eating pattern where most or all of the diet consists of raw fruits, has been linked to spiritual philosophies and detox culture. However, Italian courts made headlines when they ruled it illegal for parents to impose this diet on their children. In one high-profile case, a toddler suffered severe malnutrition and developmental delays after being fed exclusively on a fruitarian regimen. Italy’s legal system deemed the diet too risky for growing bodies, particularly due to its lack of protein, fats, and essential vitamins like B12. While adults can still follow the diet if they choose, Italian law protects minors from being placed on such extreme nutritional paths.
6. The HCG Diet: Banned in Several European Nations
The HCG Diet involves combining an ultra-low-calorie intake with injections of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), a hormone often associated with pregnancy. Though once hailed as a miracle for rapid fat loss, the diet has since been debunked by scientists and discredited by multiple health authorities. In countries like Germany, France, and the Netherlands, the use of HCG for weight loss is banned due to a lack of evidence and concerns over hormone misuse.
European regulators view the diet as both ineffective and potentially harmful, especially considering the serious side effects linked to hormone manipulation. This sharp contrast with some North American practices highlights differing global standards on what constitutes a safe and ethical diet.
When Diets Cross Borders—and Lines
The fact that some of the world’s most buzzworthy diets are banned or restricted elsewhere should serve as a wake-up call about the power—and danger—of diet trends. What may be sold as a miracle solution in one country might be considered malpractice in another. Different cultures, health systems, and medical standards play a role in shaping which diets are accepted, and which are shut down for good reason. With growing awareness around long-term health, mental well-being, and balanced nutrition, more nations are stepping in to regulate or ban dietary extremes. Readers are encouraged to think critically, question the latest diet fads, and seek informed medical advice before jumping into any new regimen.
What are your thoughts on these banned diets? Have you tried one, or do you think some bans go too far? Add your voice to the conversation in the comments below.
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