Reviews courtesy of U.S. News
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Star ratings reflect scores of 1 to 5 assigned to the Volumetrics diet in seven categories by nutritionists, specialists in diabetes and heart disease, and other diet experts on a ratings panel assembled by U.S. News. (See our Best Diets methodology.) Experts liked Volumetrics overall, judging it better than average in both short- and long-term weight loss and effect on diabetes and heart health. It scored especially well in nutrition and safety. The diet is effective, straightforward, and, in the words of one expert, “an outstanding contribution to the world of weight control.” Below are ratings in all categories and how the experts’ opinions broke down.
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Overall Score 3.8
Short-Term Weight Loss
| 22 Ratings | ||
|---|---|---|
| 5 Star | (3) | |
| 4 Star | (9) | |
| 3 Star | (9) | |
| 2 Star | (0) | |
| 1 Star | (1) |
Volumetrics will likely help you lose a significant amount of weight during the first year. It scored a strong 3.6 out of 5, because it’s “realistic, allows people to enjoy all foods in moderation,” as one expert said, teaching portion control and how to choose foods that are low in calories but keep you feeling fuller longer.
Long-Term Weight Loss
| 22 Ratings | ||
|---|---|---|
| 5 Star | (1) | |
| 4 Star | (9) | |
| 3 Star | (6) | |
| 2 Star | (5) | |
| 1 Star | (1) |
Chances of keeping weight off for at least two years are fairly good. Volumetrics earned more than 3 out of 5 stars in the long-term weight loss category, edging out many other diets. Research suggests that low-energy-dense diets are an effective way to drop pounds and keep them off.
Easy to Follow
| 22 Ratings | ||
|---|---|---|
| 5 Star | (1) | |
| 4 Star | (9) | |
| 3 Star | (7) | |
| 2 Star | (4) | |
| 1 Star | (1) |
Volumetrics is filling and flexible, and it allows for splurging and restaurant meals. Experts regarded it as easier to follow than most other ranked diets. Nevertheless, the diet requires lengthy meal preparation—and energy density, the basis of the plan, can be a confusing concept.
Nutrition
| 22 Ratings | ||
|---|---|---|
| 5 Star | (10) | |
| 4 Star | (7) | |
| 3 Star | (4) | |
| 2 Star | (1) | |
| 1 Star | (0) |
Volumetrics excels in providing solid nutrition, thanks to its emphasis on fruits, veggies and other foods that are low in calories but large in volume. It’s in line with the government’s recommendations for fat, protein and carbs, and supplies lots of fiber and other important nutrients.
Safety
| 22 Ratings | ||
|---|---|---|
| 5 Star | (15) | |
| 4 Star | (6) | |
| 3 Star | (1) | |
| 2 Star | (0) | |
| 1 Star | (0) |
Volumetrics pulled in its highest score in the safety category. Health risks are low; dieters likely won’t develop nutrient deficiencies or lose weight too rapidly. “Volumetrics seems like a sensible, healthy way of eating, and not a ‘diet,’ ” according to one expert.
For Diabetes
| 21 Ratings | ||
|---|---|---|
| 5 Star | (1) | |
| 4 Star | (9) | |
| 3 Star | (8) | |
| 2 Star | (3) | |
| 1 Star | (0) |
Volumetrics may have a positive effect on diabetes prevention and management, according to experts. It earned more than 3 out of 5 stars, edging out many other diets. Some research has found that the diet helps lower fasting insulin levels, warding off the chronic disease.
For Heart Health
| 22 Ratings | ||
|---|---|---|
| 5 Star | (0) | |
| 4 Star | (13) | |
| 3 Star | (8) | |
| 2 Star | (0) | |
| 1 Star | (1) |
Volumetrics outscored many other ranked diets on heart-healthfulness. Research and experts say it has a positive effect on cardiovascular health, and it reflects the essence of a heart-healthy diet: heavy on fruits, veggies and whole grains, and light on saturated fat and salt.
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