The risks associated with fad diets include potential nutritional deficiencies and unsustainable weight loss. These diets often promote extreme restrictions or eliminate entire food groups, leading to imbalances in essential nutrients. Individuals may experience fatigue, irritability, and health complications due to a lack of proper nutrition. Furthermore, fad diets typically offer short-term results, which can result in a cycle of weight regain once normal eating patterns are resumed. It's generally more effective to pursue gradual, sustainable lifestyle changes rather than short-lived dietary trends for long-term health benefits.