Best diets of 2025 – how and what to eat for a healthy year

After the indulgences of the holiday season, the new year is a time for many people to make a resolution to cut back on cookies and treats and eat healthier foods.

U.S. News & World Report has published its annual list of best diets 2025. The news outlet cited the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that more than 40% of American adults have obesity, and a Lancet finding that three in four of adults aged 25 years and older are overweight or obese. Patients’ extra pounds contribute to chronic conditions ranging from hypertension to heart disease and cancers.

Experts agree that fad diets don’t work, and may even be harmful. The good news is that there are many, many variations on healthy eating and the U.S. News & World Report list can be a helpful resource when patient ask about better nutrition.

This slideshow presents U.S. News & World Report’s best overall diets. U.S. News employs a Best Diets panel with 69 members including physicians, dietitians, nutritional epidemiologists, chefs and weight loss researchers. They rated 38 diets across 21 categories.

All data in the slideshow come from U.S. News and there is much more information online about the recommendations for eating well. The magazine has lists of diets dedicated to weight loss, fast weight loss, diabetes, bone and joint health, healthy eating, heart health, the best diet programs, the best family friendly diets, the best plant-based diets, and the easiest to follow.