Common questions and misconceptions about diets: what does the scientific evidence really show?
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The study of diet and nutrition is often filled with numerous myths and misconceptions. A Google Scholar search of "diets health" yields over 4 million results. This review examines frequently asked questions about diets and dietary habits. These questions include the following: 1) Is a caloric surplus necessary for building skeletal muscle? 2) Is it possible to lose body mass or fat mass without caloric restriction? 3) Is intermittent fasting better than chronic caloric restriction for weight loss? 4) Are there sex differences in the response to fasting? 5) Can diet alone fulfill the macro and micronutrient needs of exercise-trained individuals? 6) Is there an ideal dietary macronutrient ratio? 7) Are most of the benefits of diets in overweight/obese individuals due primarily to the weight loss itself? 8) Do DNA-based diets induce greater fat mass loss? 9) Does eating late at night result in a gain in fat mass? 10) Are there data (i.e. observational, randomized controlled trials, etc.) on the carnivore diet? 11) Is there a diet that is best for healthy aging and longevity? 12) Is there such a thing as "superfoods?" 13) Can one consume adequate protein on a vegan diet? 14) Do high-protein diets harm the kidneys? 15) Does a greater meal frequency lead to greater weight loss? 16) Are carbohydrates more "fattening" than dietary fats? To answer these questions, we conducted an evidence-based scientific evaluation of the literature on these topics regarding the diet category.
Authors: Jose Antonio, Brandi Antonio, Alan Aragon, Shawn M. Arent, Bill Campbell, Darren G. Candow, Hannah Eberhardt, Guillermo Escalante, Cassandra Evans, Scott Forbes, Drew Gonzalez, Chad M. Kerksick, Erik Bustillo, Kworweinski Lafontant, Gianna Mastrofini, Scotty Mills, Michael J. Ormsbee, Kieran Paterson, Flavia Pereira, Valeria Silva Ramirez, Antonella Schwarz, K. Michelle Singleton, Abbie Smith-Ryan, Jeffrey Stout, Grant Tinsley
Institutions: Nova Southeastern University, University of Central Florida, University of South Carolina, Quality Enhancement Research Initiative, University of Regina, California State University System, Brandon University, Sam Houston State University, Lindenwood University, Smile Train, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, Barry University, Coastal Carolina University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Texas Tech University
Language: English
Subfield: Cell Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,490
OpenAlex ID: W7222013215