Dukan diet: The trend that promises a lot, but is it worth it in the long run?

The Dukan diet, created by French physician Pierre Dukan in the 1970s, has regained popularity thanks to social media, especially among those seeking quick weight loss. This high-protein, low-carbohydrate plan is divided into four phases: attack, cruise, consolidation, and stabilization. The initial stages are highly restrictive, leading to rapid weight loss, but they can also pose health risks.

Experts warn that following such a rigid plan may cause nutritional deficiencies and side effects such as fatigue, headaches, or constipation. Moreover, the accelerated weight loss is often followed by the dreaded “rebound effect,” which can lead to cyclical dieting that damages metabolism and increases the risk of diseases such as diabetes or cardiovascular problems.

Nutritionist Beril Hezer recommends that those who wish to follow a Dukan-inspired approach focus on the stabilization phase, combining one day of pure protein per week with oat bran and a wider variety of nutritious foods.

Is the Dukan diet a long-term solution?

In most cases, no. While it delivers quick results, its lack of flexibility makes it hard to maintain over time. A balanced, sustainable eating pattern is usually the best bet for both health and weight management.