Rahm Emanuel Asks Chicago Residents To Go Vegan (VIDEO)

WATCH: Rahm Emanuel Asks Chicago To Go Vegan
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Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel speaks about legislation and policies to reduce and prevent gun violence during a policy discussion at the Center for American Progress in Washington, DC, on January 14, 2013. Emanuel was a senior adviser to former US President Bill Clinton during the passage of the 1994 Assault Weapons Ban. AFP PHOTO / Saul LOEB (Photo credit should read SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images)

Famously fit Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel, formerly Barack Obama's chief of staff, appeared on local TV affiliate WGN-TV last Friday to ask that his city's residents consider going vegan to improve their health.

Specifically, Emanuel endorsed a popular fitness and eating regime called the Engine 2 Diet, which was invented by former pro triathlete Rip Esselstyn. Watch the clip below to hear the mayor and Esselstyn's explanation of the diet and its benefits:

Emanuel explains that this diet could go a long way to helping reduce the city's obesity rate. Statistics for Chicago are hard to come by, but the obesity rate in Illinois has been rising and currently stands at 27.7 percent, the 23rd-highest of any state.

Back when Emanuel was on President Obama's staff, he was notorious for confronting unruly lawmakers in the showers at the Congressional gym and berating them until he got his way. As mayor, he can't exactly go around delivering naked harangues to overweight residents, so convincing famously carnivorous Chicagoans to go vegan could be a challenge.

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Before You Go

Best Diets 2013
1. DASH Diet(01 of29)
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DASH was developed to fight high blood pressure, not as an all-purpose diet. But it certainly looked like an all-star to our panel of experts, who gave it high marks for its nutritional completeness, safety, ability to prevent or control diabetes, and role in supporting heart health. Though obscure, it beat out a field full of better-known diets. (credit:Flickr/Wikimedia: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cefeida/4750025360/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="Magic Madzik" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="60d28f68e4b06d3094f9fb85" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cefeida/4750025360/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="39" data-vars-position-in-unit="44">Magic Madzik</a>)
2. TLC Diet (02 of29)
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Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes, or TLC, is a very solid diet plan created by the National Institutes of Health. It has no major weaknesses, and it’s particularly good at promoting cardiovascular health. One expert described it as a “very healthful, complete, safe diet.” But it requires a “do-it-yourself” approach, in contrast to the hand-holding provided by some commercial diets. (credit:alamy)
3. Mayo Clinic Diet(03 of29)
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This is the Mayo Clinic’s take on how to make healthy eating a lifelong habit. It earned especially high ratings from our experts for its nutrition and safety and as a tool against diabetes. Experts found it moderately effective for weight loss. (credit:<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mayo-Clinic-Diet-Enjoy-Weight/dp/1561486760?tag=thehuffingtop-20&ascsubtag=60d28f68e4b06d3094f9fb85%2C-1%2C-1%2Camp%2C0%2C0%2Chp-fil-am%3D0%2C0%3A0%2C0%2C0%2C0" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="Amazon.com" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="60d28f68e4b06d3094f9fb85" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.amazon.com/Mayo-Clinic-Diet-Enjoy-Weight/dp/1561486760?tag=thehuffingtop-20&ascsubtag=60d28f68e4b06d3094f9fb85%2C-1%2C-1%2Camp%2C0%2C0%2Chp-fil-am%3D0%2C0%3A0%2C0%2C0%2C0" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="36" data-vars-position-in-unit="41">Amazon.com</a>)
3. Mediterranean Diet (04 of29)
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With its emphasis on fruits and vegetables, olive oil, fish, and other healthy fare, the Mediterranean diet is eminently sensible. And experts’ assessments of it were resoundingly positive, giving this diet an edge over many competitors. (credit:Flickr:<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mona_q/5351126684/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="missmoniquita" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="60d28f68e4b06d3094f9fb85" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mona_q/5351126684/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="34" data-vars-position-in-unit="39">missmoniquita</a>)
3. Weight Watchers Diet(05 of29)
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Weight Watchers is a smart, effective diet. It surpassed other commercial diet plans in multiple areas, including short- and long-term weight loss and how easy it is to follow. It’s also nutritionally sound and safe, according to experts. Among its pluses: An emphasis on group support, lots of fruits and vegetables, and room for occasional indulgences. (credit:Getty)
6. Flexitarian Diet(06 of29)
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The Flexitarian diet, which emphasizes fruits, veggies, whole grains, and plant-based protein, is a smart and healthy choice. It outperformed many of its competitors, with particularly high scores in nutritional completeness, easiness to follow, and long-term weight loss. One panelist noted that this diet is “a nice approach that could work for the whole family,” and another described it as a “very good” plan. (credit:Shutterstock)
6. Volumetrics Diet(07 of29)
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Volumetrics outperformed its competitors in many categories. It earned particularly high marks for being safe and nutritious, and experts said it could have a positive effect on heart health and diabetes. "This is an eating plan that everyone can benefit from," one expert said. (credit:alamy)
8. Jenny Craig(08 of29)
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Jenny Craig drew praise from experts for being easy to follow, nutritionally complete and safe, and for offering dieters emotional support. But these experts were lukewarm about its potential to bolster heart health or help diabetics. Experts also noted that Jenny Craig’s cost could be a roadblock for some. (credit:Getty)
9. Biggest Loser Diet (09 of29)
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The Biggest Loser diet received high marks for short-term weight loss, safety, and soundness as a regimen for diabetes, and it was rated moderately effective for heart health. But many panelists felt that in a sea of diets, it’s not overly special, and one said it’s merely “capitalizing on the name” of the popular TV show. (credit:<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Biggest-Loser-Program-Transform-Life--Adapted/dp/B000QCQGOQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1325653062&sr=1-1&tag=thehuffingtop-20&ascsubtag=60d28f68e4b06d3094f9fb85%2C-1%2C-1%2Camp%2C0%2C0%2Chp-fil-am%3D0%2C0%3A0%2C0%2C0%2C0" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="Amazon.com" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="60d28f68e4b06d3094f9fb85" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.amazon.com/Biggest-Loser-Program-Transform-Life--Adapted/dp/B000QCQGOQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1325653062&sr=1-1&tag=thehuffingtop-20&ascsubtag=60d28f68e4b06d3094f9fb85%2C-1%2C-1%2Camp%2C0%2C0%2Chp-fil-am%3D0%2C0%3A0%2C0%2C0%2C0" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="29" data-vars-position-in-unit="34">Amazon.com</a>)
9. Ornish Diet (10 of29)
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The Ornish diet got a mixed reaction from experts. On one hand, it’s nutritionally sound, safe, and tremendously heart-healthy. On the other, it’s not easy for dieters to adhere to the severe fat restriction the diet demands. (credit:alamy)
11. Traditional Asian Diet(11 of29)
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The Asian diet is a reasonable choice for an eating pattern, landing around the middle of the pack of ranked diets. Experts handed out high marks in nutrition and safety, but doubted the plan’s ability to deliver short- or long-term weight loss. (credit:Shutterstock)
11. Vegetarian Diet (12 of29)
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As a health diet, vegetarianism is solid. It's decent at producing rapid weight loss, according to experts, and is strong in other areas, such as heart health and nutritional completeness, that arguably are more important. (credit:Flickr:<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notahipster/4070654377/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="little blue hen" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="60d28f68e4b06d3094f9fb85" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/photos/notahipster/4070654377/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="25" data-vars-position-in-unit="30">little blue hen</a>)
13. Anti-Inflammatory Diet(13 of29)
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While the Anti-Inflammatory diet itself is nutritionally sound, experts expressed concern that it’s needlessly complicated, lacks supervision or feedback, and boasts unsubstantiated claims like the benefits of supplement use. "Most Americans would benefit from adopting many of these principles, especially increasing fruits and vegetables," one expert said. "What is lacking is scientific evidence that this diet will reduce inflammation in the body and that weight loss results from following it." (credit:Shutterstock)
13. Slim-Fast(14 of29)
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Slim-Fast is a reasonable approach to dieting, experts concluded. It outscored a number of competitors on weight loss and as a diabetes diet, and being highly structured, it’s fairly easy to follow. But it scored lower than many other diets on heart health. (credit:Getty)
15. Flat Belly Diet (15 of29)
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The Flat Belly diet landed in the middle of the pack because most of its scores from the experts were right around average. It did get high marks in safety and nutrition. (credit:<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Flat-Belly-Diet-Liz-Vaccariello/dp/1605295620/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1325651295&sr=8-1&tag=thehuffingtop-20&ascsubtag=60d28f68e4b06d3094f9fb85%2C-1%2C-1%2Camp%2C0%2C0%2Chp-fil-am%3D0%2C0%3A0%2C0%2C0%2C0" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="Amazon.com" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="60d28f68e4b06d3094f9fb85" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.amazon.com/Flat-Belly-Diet-Liz-Vaccariello/dp/1605295620/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1325651295&sr=8-1&tag=thehuffingtop-20&ascsubtag=60d28f68e4b06d3094f9fb85%2C-1%2C-1%2Camp%2C0%2C0%2Chp-fil-am%3D0%2C0%3A0%2C0%2C0%2C0" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="21" data-vars-position-in-unit="26">Amazon.com</a>)
15. Nutrisystem(16 of29)
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Nutrisystem sits near the middle of the standings. It's quite safe, easier to follow than many other diets and has few nutritional deficiencies, according to experts. As a heart diet, it's off the mark. (credit:alamy)
17. Abs Diet (17 of29)
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The experts found the Abs diet moderately effective for quick weight loss and middle of the road in most other respects. They took issue with the company's claim that dieters can drop up to 12 pounds of belly fat in two weeks and questioned the evidence behind some of its tactics. (credit:<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Abs-Diet-Six-Week-Flatten-Stomach/dp/B000E1KPV4/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1325651415&sr=1-1&tag=thehuffingtop-20&ascsubtag=60d28f68e4b06d3094f9fb85%2C-1%2C-1%2Camp%2C0%2C0%2Chp-fil-am%3D0%2C0%3A0%2C0%2C0%2C0" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="Amazon.com" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="60d28f68e4b06d3094f9fb85" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.amazon.com/Abs-Diet-Six-Week-Flatten-Stomach/dp/B000E1KPV4/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1325651415&sr=1-1&tag=thehuffingtop-20&ascsubtag=60d28f68e4b06d3094f9fb85%2C-1%2C-1%2Camp%2C0%2C0%2Chp-fil-am%3D0%2C0%3A0%2C0%2C0%2C0" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="18" data-vars-position-in-unit="23">Amazon.com</a>)
17. Engine 2 Diet(18 of29)
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Experts handed out a below-average 3 stars. Though they acknowledged its benefits for heart health and diabetes control and prevention, they faulted the Engine 2 diet for being unnecessarily restrictive and "gimmicky," and called for more research into some of its claims. "I fail to see anything unique, innovative, or useful with this diet," one expert said. (credit:<a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Engine-Diet-Firefighters-Save-Your-Life/dp/0446506699/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1357596773&sr=8-1&keywords=engine+2+diet&tag=thehuffingtop-20&ascsubtag=60d28f68e4b06d3094f9fb85%2C-1%2C-1%2Camp%2C0%2C0%2Chp-fil-am%3D0%2C0%3A0%2C0%2C0%2C0" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="Amazon.com" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="60d28f68e4b06d3094f9fb85" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.amazon.com/The-Engine-Diet-Firefighters-Save-Your-Life/dp/0446506699/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1357596773&sr=8-1&keywords=engine+2+diet&tag=thehuffingtop-20&ascsubtag=60d28f68e4b06d3094f9fb85%2C-1%2C-1%2Camp%2C0%2C0%2Chp-fil-am%3D0%2C0%3A0%2C0%2C0%2C0" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="16" data-vars-position-in-unit="21">Amazon.com</a>)
17. South Beach Diet (19 of29)
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Although the South Beach Diet earned positive ratings for being able to produce rapid weight loss, its restrictions can make it difficult for dieters to keep the pounds off, experts said. Most were less enthusiastic about its ability to combat diabetes or heart disease. (credit:<a href="http://www.amazon.com/South-Beach-Diet-Doctor-Designed-ebook/dp/B0056IAXNK/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1325651136&sr=1-3&tag=thehuffingtop-20&ascsubtag=60d28f68e4b06d3094f9fb85%2C-1%2C-1%2Camp%2C0%2C0%2Chp-fil-am%3D0%2C0%3A0%2C0%2C0%2C0" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="Amazon.com" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="60d28f68e4b06d3094f9fb85" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.amazon.com/South-Beach-Diet-Doctor-Designed-ebook/dp/B0056IAXNK/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1325651136&sr=1-3&tag=thehuffingtop-20&ascsubtag=60d28f68e4b06d3094f9fb85%2C-1%2C-1%2Camp%2C0%2C0%2Chp-fil-am%3D0%2C0%3A0%2C0%2C0%2C0" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="14" data-vars-position-in-unit="19">Amazon.com</a>)
17. Vegan Diet (20 of29)
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Overall, the health experts were lukewarm on veganism despite giving it fairly high marks as a diabetes or heart disease diet. It is extremely restrictive, doesn’t offer built-in social support, and may not provide enough of some nutrients. (credit:Flickr:<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/veganfeast/3886426904/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="norwichnuts" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="60d28f68e4b06d3094f9fb85" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/photos/veganfeast/3886426904/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="12" data-vars-position-in-unit="17">norwichnuts</a>)
21. Eco-Atkins Diet (21 of29)
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One expert summed up Eco-Atkins as a "healthier version of the Atkins diet, but compliance is likely to be more difficult." That's because it’s restrictive and little guidance is available. (credit:alamy)
21. Glycemic-Index Diet (22 of29)
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Experts were less than impressed with the glycemic-index diet, which distinguishes "good" carbs from "bad." They scored it particularly low on long-term weight loss, heart benefits, and ease of adherence. Although the diet’s ratings in nutrition and safety were relatively strong, they couldn't push the diet out of the lower third of the pack. (credit:alamy)
21. Zone Diet (23 of29)
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The Zone Diet lagged behind higher-ranked diets, if not always by much, in nearly all ratings categories, including weight loss, how easy it is to follow, and its effect on diabetes and heart health. It's "unnecessary and tedious to structure every meal around specific macronutrient thresholds," according to one expert; another stated there is "no magic with the diet." (credit:Flickr:<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/neeta_lind/2637505735/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="Neeta Lind" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="60d28f68e4b06d3094f9fb85" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/photos/neeta_lind/2637505735/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="8" data-vars-position-in-unit="13">Neeta Lind</a>)
24. Macrobiotic Diet (24 of29)
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Experts gave little credence to the Macrobiotic diet on several counts: Following the plan is a challenge. It's an extreme change from the standard American diet. And it's awfully strict. The macrobiotic approach, one expert summed up, is "a mix of sound dietary guidance, mysticism, folklore and nonsense." (credit:alamy)
24. Medifast(25 of29)
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Experts were likewise unenthused about Medifast. It scored above average in short-term weight loss but was dragged down by lower marks in most other categories. (credit:alamy)
26. Atkins Diet (26 of29)
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Many of our experts found the popular low-carb Atkins diet leaves much to be desired, at least as an all-purpose diet. Although our expert panel concluded that it could outperform nearly all of its competitors in short-term weight loss, unfavorable marks in other measures -- including long-term weight loss, nutrition, safety and heart health -- yanked down Atkins in the standings. (credit:<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Atkins-Life-Complete-Controlled-Permanent/dp/0312315236/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1325651534&sr=1-4&tag=thehuffingtop-20&ascsubtag=60d28f68e4b06d3094f9fb85%2C-1%2C-1%2Camp%2C0%2C0%2Chp-fil-am%3D0%2C0%3A0%2C0%2C0%2C0" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="Amazon.com" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="60d28f68e4b06d3094f9fb85" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.amazon.com/Atkins-Life-Complete-Controlled-Permanent/dp/0312315236/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1325651534&sr=1-4&tag=thehuffingtop-20&ascsubtag=60d28f68e4b06d3094f9fb85%2C-1%2C-1%2Camp%2C0%2C0%2Chp-fil-am%3D0%2C0%3A0%2C0%2C0%2C0" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="4" data-vars-position-in-unit="9">Amazon.com</a>)
26. Raw Food Diet (27 of29)
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The experts conferred solid marks on the raw food diet for weight loss, both short- and long-term, but considered it all but impossible to follow and its nutritional completeness and safety were concerns. "Doing it well involves considerable commitment and effort, knowledge and sacrifice," one expert said. "And there are diets that require less of all these that are likely to be just as healthful." (credit:Flickr:<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/timparkinson/2909536818/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="timparkinson" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="60d28f68e4b06d3094f9fb85" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/photos/timparkinson/2909536818/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="2" data-vars-position-in-unit="7">timparkinson</a>)
28. Dukan Diet (28 of29)
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Experts sent the Dukan diet to the bottom, handing out dismal ratings in nearly every category. Its overall score was more than a full star below average. It’s too restrictive, with lots of rules, and there’s no evidence it works. One expert described the diet as "idiotic." (credit:alamy)
28. Paleo Diet (29 of29)
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Experts took issue with the diet on every measure. Regardless of the goal -- weight loss, heart health or finding a diet that's easy to follow -- most experts concluded that it would be better for dieters to look elsewhere. "A true Paleo diet might be a great option: very lean, pure meats, lots of wild plants," said one expert -- quickly adding, however, that duplicating such a regimen in modern times would be difficult. (credit:alamy)

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