According to researchers at Tufts University, weight loss success in linked with sticking to a diet, and not necessarily the type of diet chosen.
Researchers randomly assigned 160 overweight or obese individuals to one of four diets. The diets were the Atkins (carbohydrate restriction), Ornish (fat restriction), Weight Watchers (calorie and portion size restriction) and the Zone (high glycemic carbohydrate restriction and increased protein).
Researchers found that all four diets led to weight loss, however these results were only observed in those that completed the full period of dieting. Only half of the participants on the more extreme diet plans, including Atkins and Ornish were able to stick with diet during the study period, while two-thirds were able to stick to the Zone and Weight Watchers.
The study did not state how long the weight loss lasted after participants stopped the assigned diets or address the dangers associated with some of the diets.
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