No Diet Is a Clear Winner

In a study published in the journal Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality & Outcomes, researchers looked at a dozen clinical trials that compared weight loss from the "usual" low-fat diet given to overweight patients to four big name diets: Atkins, Weight Watchers, Zone, and South Beach. Researchers found that Atkins, Weight Watchers and Zone were all modestly effective with weight loss between 4-10 pounds per year. However, none of the diets appeared to be more effective than the other. South Beach, on the other hand, did not seem to be better than traditional low fat diet advice. There is no perfect diet; it is important to make sure you have enough energy and nutrients every day so you don't feel deprived and are able to exercise. Choose a diet that fits into your lifestyle and that will be relatively easy for you to follow. And remember that there is no quick fix.