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The rankings are based on feedback from a panel of 69 physicians, registered dietitians, nutritional epidemiologists, chefs, and weight loss researchers. The new five-point rating system takes into account a variety of health and lifestyle considerations.
This year, U.S. News featured 13 diets, in addition to mainstream ones like the Mediterranean diet and the DASH diet. These include options such as the gluten-free diet, the Whole30 diet (a 30-day food elimination program), and the Body Reset diet (a 15-day smoothie-based “detox”).
“US News” selects the best overall diet method
According to US News & World Report, the overall best diets for 2025 are (in descending order):
This marks the eighth year in a row that the Mediterranean diet has taken the top spot. In the 2024 repeat, number two will be the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, a Mediterranean-style diet with an increased focus on low sodium.
The flexitarian diet (semi-vegetarian eating style) moved up from fifth place in 2024 to third place this year, followed by the MIND (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Delayed Neurodegeneration) diet, which fell from third place last year. . .
“It’s no surprise to me that the Mediterranean diet tops the list year after year,” says Maya Badibello, Ph.D., RD, associate professor of nutrition and food science at the University of Rhode Island in Kingston. “With the exception of some people with very specific medical conditions or allergies, most people can follow the Mediterranean diet and adapt it to personal and cultural dietary preferences.”
According to Dr. Buddy-Bello, the best overall diet has much in common with the Mediterranean diet. To varying degrees, they all emphasize a plant-based diet, whole fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy unsaturated fats like olive oil. Similarly, moderation is encouraged when it comes to alcohol, red meat, and processed foods.
“Mediterranean diets have a lot of options, and while these diets may be the easiest for some people to follow, none of these diets are much better than the typical American diet. ,” says Professor Melanie Jay, MD. He is also director of the Obesity Research Program at New York University Grossman School of Medicine in New York City.
‘US News’ also publishes top options for weight loss
The Mediterranean diet also makes it onto the list of the best diets for weight loss, coming in second place behind Weight Watchers on volume metrics.
However, the Mediterranean diet does not help you lose weight quickly. According to US News rankings, the top diets for quick weight loss are:
However, compared to the Mediterranean diet, “the keto diet, and some parts of it, can be very difficult to stick to for long periods of time,” says Dr. Jay. Barriers such as the cost of buying food and the process of counting calories and following specific rules for each meal can cause people to abandon these diets and return to their previous unhealthy eating habits, Jay said. say.
For sustainable weight loss, a long-term commitment to healthy eating patterns is key, says Erin Palinsky, RD, RD, registered dietitian, certified personal trainer, and certified diabetes care and education specialist.・Mr. Wade says.
“If you have too many constraints and are very specific about what you have to do every day, you’re basically setting yourself up for failure,” says Palinsky-Wade. “If you try a new diet in January and it’s too strict, you’ll think it’s all-or-nothing and give up. If it feels too difficult, you’ll stop trying.”
The Mediterranean diet is the easiest diet overall, according to a new assessment from US News. The second easiest option is the flexitarian diet, with the DASH diet coming in third.
“This makes sense because it’s not a diet that requires you to count calories or track macronutrients,” Palinski-Wade says. “Instead, these diets focus on beneficial food groups and give you lots of room to adapt what works for you.”
Rankings include diets tailored to specific health conditions and lifestyle needs
This year, U.S. News added 12 new categories of diet ratings that focus on health conditions and lifestyle needs.
The Mediterranean diet ranks at or near the top of the rankings for most of the health conditions surveyed by U.S. News. A great diet for arthritis, diabetes, diverticulitis, fatty liver, gut health, high cholesterol, inflammation, mental health, and prediabetes.
It’s also the next best option for brain health, high blood pressure, menopause, and weight loss.
But “any of the diets on these lists may work for someone,” Palinsky-Wade says. “Some people may decide to stick to a healthier diet if they believe it can help with certain problems, such as arthritis or menopause.”
Here are some of the rankings.
best diet for arthritis
Mediterranean Diet Dr. Weill’s Anti-Inflammatory Diet MIND Diet DASH Diet
The best diet for brain health and cognition
MIND diet Mediterranean diet Flexitarian diet DASH diet Dr. Weill’s anti-inflammatory diet
best diet for diabetes
Mediterranean Diet Flexitarian Diet DASH Diet MIND Diet
Best diet for diverticulitis
mediterranean diet flexitarian diet mind diet vegan diet
The best diet for gut health
Mediterranean Diet DASH Diet Flexitarian Diet MIND Diet Vegan Diet
Best diet for high blood pressure
DASH Diet Mediterranean Diet
Best diet for high cholesterol
Mediterranean Diet DASH Diet Vegan Diet Flexitarian Diet TLC Diet
Best diet for IBS
best diet for inflammation
Mediterranean Diet Dr. Weill’s Anti-Inflammatory Diet Flexitarian Diet DASH Diet MIND Diet
The best diet for menopausal symptoms
Menopause Diet Mediterranean Diet Flexitarian Diet Mind Diet Dash Diet
The best food for mental health
mediterranean diet mind diet flexitarian diet dash diet
Best diet for prediabetes
Mediterranean Diet DASH Diet Flexitarian Diet
Best diet for heart health
DASH Diet Mediterranean Diet Flexitarian Diet Mind Diet Vegan Diet TLC Diet Cleveland Clinic Diet
Long-term change should be the goal of any diet
Whatever the reason, the best way to overhaul your diet is to think about long-term changes rather than quick fixes.
“Don’t think you have to get it right the first time,” Badibello says. “Try to avoid the self-defeating mindset that just because you didn’t do well one day means you can’t do it at all. Instead, try to look at the bigger picture and say that even if one meal or day didn’t go as planned, But next time you’re hungry, you can be thoughtful and reach for fruit instead of chips. That’s a step you can take.
