Low-fat diets

Low-fat diets involve the reduction of the percentage of fat in one’s diet. Calorie consumption is reduced because less fat is consumed. Diets of this type include NCEP Step I and II. A meta-analysis of 16 trials of 212 months’ duration found that low-fat diets without intentional restriction of caloric intake resulted in average weight loss of 3.2 kg 7.1 lb over habitual eating.

Low-carbohydrate diet

Low carbohydrate diets such as Atkins and Protein Power are relatively high in protein. Low-carbohydrate diets are sometimes ketogenic i.e. they restrict carbohydrate intake sufficiently to cause ketosis.

Low-calorie diets

Low-calorie diets usually produce an energy deficit of 5001000 calories per day which can result in a 0.5 kilogram 1.1 lb to 1 kilogram 2.2 lb weight loss per week. Amongst some of the most commonly used low-calorie diets include DASH diet Diet to Go and Weight Watchers. The National Institutes of Health reviewed 34 randomized controlled trials to determine the effectiveness of low-calorie diets. They found that these diets lowered total body mass by 8 in the short term over 312 months.

Very low calorie diet

Very low calorie diets provide 200800 calories per day maintaining protein intake but limiting calories from both fat and carbohydrates. They subject the body to starvation and produce an average weekly weight loss of 1.52.5 kilograms 3.35.5 lb.2-4-6-8 a popular diet of this variety follows a four-day cycle in which only 200 calories are consumed the first day 400 the second day 600 the third day 800 the fourth day and then the cycle repeats. These diets are not recommended for general use as they are associated with adverse side effects such as loss of lean muscle mass increased risks of gout and electrolyte imbalances. People attempting these diets must be monitored closely by a physician to prevent complications.

Detox diet

Detox diets claim to eliminate undesirable toxins from the human body rather than claiming to cause weight loss.