First, what exactly is the watermelon diet? According to Shape, there are several versions out there, but they all primarily require you to only eat watermelon for a set period of time. While watermelon contains a number of vitamins and nutrients — and even some protein, if you count the edible seeds and fiber in the rind — a diet that dictates that you only eat watermelon raises a lot of flags for registered dietician, Kim Rose. This is because eating watermelon is essentially eating water — water is 90% of its make-up, Rose told Shape. Additionally, watermelon does not contain enough protein, carbohydrates, and fat to meet your body’s needs. Watermelon diets are also often touted as cleanses, but Rose says that only eating watermelon does not clean out toxins. There is no evidence-based science that backs this up.
In addition to not providing your body with enough nutrients, there is another downside. Once you complete the watermelon diet, you will likely return to the way you were eating before. Nutrition consultant Jessica Marcus explained to Healthline that numerous studies have shown that fad diets like these don’t change eating habits. Marcus adds that, while she doesn’t recommend this kind of extreme diet, it is unlikely to be harmful. Speak to your doctor if you are interested in learning how to safely lose weight.
