Diets regarded all the same for weight loss

A review of 48 different diet trials shows that there is no real difference in terms of weight loss as the calorie limits are all roughly equal.
The research was carried out by Canadian researchers and published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The 48 clinical studies that were reviewed included 7,286 dieters and a wide range of low calorie diets including low fat diets (such as the Rosemary Conley and Ornish diets), and low carb diets (such as the Atkins and South Beach diets). Note that very low calorie diets were not included in the study.
The review looked at weight loss at 6 month and 12 month marks. Whilst low carbohydrate diets showed greater weight loss at the 6 month mark by the 12 month point, there was very little difference between low carbohydrate and low fat diets. The average weight across the diets at the 1 year mark was 7.3kg or 1 stone and 2 pounds.
The researchers conclude that as the diets all showed similar weight loss benefits, those looking to lose weight should aim to choose a diet by which they are most likely to stick to. The researchers note that their findings do not take other health issues into account such as diabetes or the effects on cholesterol.
People with diabetes should also take into consideration the effects of different diets on blood glucose levels. Whilst all diets may produce similar weight loss results, previous research studies have shown that low carbohydrate diets allow people with diabetes to achieve better HbA1c results after the 6 and 12 month marks.