THE BEST DIETS FOR LONG AND SHORT-TERM WEIGHT-LOSS
1. Volumetrics
What is it? Advocates eating more, not less. The idea is that foods with high water content, such as soup and salad, make you feel fuller and less deprived.
Benefits: Good for both heart health and diabetes control.
2. Weight Watchers
What is it? The Jessica Simpson-endorsed plan, which has 1.4million members, uses a point system to measure nutritional value. Members are offered weigh-in meetings and online guidance.
Benefits: Good for heart health - for diabetes control, research was inconclusive.
3. Jenny Craig
What is it? The Jenny Craig system involves eating the company's pre-packaged, calorie-counted and portion-controlled meals, as well as regular weigh-ins. As the member loses weight, they can cut back on the company's meals to weight-maintain.
Benefits: Results were inconclusive for both heart health and diabetes control.
4. Vegan Diet
What is it? Strictly no animal products, including dairy and eggs as well as meat and fish. Usually adopted for ethical reasons, a low-fat vegan diet can deliver more effective weight-loss results than a traditional low-fat diet.
Benefits: Good for both heart health and diabetes control.
5. Low-Fat Diet
What is it? Simply cutting fat to just 30per cent of one's daily calorie intake (10per cent saturated). It is excellent for cardiovascular health and good for weight-loss.
Benefits: Extremely good for heart health - for diabetes control, research was inconclusive.
6. Slim-Fast
What is it? The 'shake for breakfast, shake for lunch, and a sensible dinner' concept has been popular since the late Seventies.
Benefits: It is good for diabetes control, but data for effects on heart health is inconclusive.
7. Atkins Diet
What is it? Strictly no carbohydrates allowed, the Atkins diet has been a weight-loss favorite since the Seventies. The downside is that there is no restriction on high-fat meats and cheeses, which is not ideal for those with high blood pressure.
Benefits: Heart health? No. Diabetes control? Inconclusive.
8. DASH Diet
What is it? The DASH diet was designed by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute and is intended to lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Dieters must cut back on processed foods and red meat in favor of legumes, fruits and vegetables.
Benefits: Good for both heart health and diabetes control.
9. Mediterranean Diet
What is it? Also known as the Sonoma diet, this is high in fruit and vegetables, and favors beans, nuts and olive oil. No more than 35per cent of the daily calorie intake should be fat.
Benefits: Good for both heart health and diabetes control.
10. LEARN Diet
What is it? LEARN stands for Lifestyle, Exercise, Attitudes, Relationships, and Nutrition. Developed by Dr Kelly Brownell, the focus is on keeping fat intake down. Just over half of a dieter's calories will come from carbohydrates.
Benefits: Extremely good for heart health and good for diabetes control.
11. Ornish Diet
What is it? Dr Dean Ornish's diet forbids meat, fish, oils, nuts and alcohol. His catchphrase is 'Eat more, weigh less', and he prescribes a high fiber intake of legumes, fruits and vegetables.
Benefits: Extremely good for heart health and good for diabetes control.
12. Zone Diet
What is it? The concept of the Zone diet is carefully-balanced, portion-controlled meals, each with a ratio of 40per cent carbs, 30per cent fat and 30per cent protein. It is believed to keep blood sugar levels under control, but was least effective for weight-loss.
Benefits: Heart health? Inconclusive. Diabetes control? No.
13. Glycemic Index Diet
What is it? Cuts out high-glycemic foods, such as refined carbohydrates. Low-glycemic foods, such as whole grains and nuts, help control blood sugar, so keep you fuller for longer.
Benefits: Heart health? No. Diabetes control? Inconclusive.
14. Paleolithic Diet
What is it? Mimics the meat, nut and vegetable-heavy diet of cavemen, cuts all processed food including grains and dairy.
Benefits: Heart health? No. Diabetes control? No.
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