U.S. News & World Report Releases Best Diets of 2015

On Tuesday, U.S. News & World Report released its “Best Diets of 2015” feature, which highlights and ranks 41 different diet plans.

The DASH diet once again placed No. 1 as the “Best Diets Overall,” for the fifth year in a row. DASH aims to lower and prevent high blood pressure through a fairly easy-to-follow diet that focuses on all the things we already know: eat lots of fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy foods, while cutting back on salt, sweets, and red meat.

New to the list this year is Boston-based Health Management Resources plan (HMR), which took the No. 2 spot for the “Weight-Loss” category. HMR, a subsidiary of Merck, focuses on “integrating diet, physical activity, and healthy lifestyle skills through weekly coaching.”

“We are delighted to be recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the most effective diets for weight loss,” said Carol Addy, chief medical officer at HMR, in a statement. “HMR has over 30 years of experience in weight management. The reason our program works so well is that we provide the healthy lifestyle skills, resources and coaching that individuals need to reach their weight-loss goals.”

According to U.S. News, a number of experts work to produce the “Best” lists.

…panel of health experts, including nutritionists and physicians specializing in diabetes, heart health and weight loss, scored each diet for short- and long-term weight loss, ease of compliance, safety and nutrition. Diets are ranked in eight categories, including diabetes and heart disease prevention and control, as well as easiness to follow and likelihood of weight loss.

“The Best Diets of 2015 is designed to help consumers identify a diet that suits their specific needs, whether they are trying to lose weight, control a chronic disease or achieve a healthier lifestyle overall,” said Angela Haupt, senior health and wellness editor for U.S. News in a statement. “More consumers are making health and wellness a priority, but they are often overrun with confusing and contradictory information when it comes to dieting. Consumers can rely on U.S. News for in-depth tools and rankings that empower them to make better, more informed choices about their weight and lifestyles.”

For the entire list of “Best Diets” click here.