Summary of dietary interventions for weight loss
| Diet | Principles | Mechanisms of action | Variants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low calorie diet | 800–1600 kcal/day | Negative energy balance (net deficit of calories) | Cambridge diet Weight Watchers Nutrisystems diet Intermittent Fasting Biggest Loser SlimFast Jenny Craig |
| Very low calorie diet | 200–800 kcal/day | ||
| Low calorie diet: meal replacement | Pre-cooked low calorie meals | ||
| Low fat diet | Fat accounts for <30% of energy intake | Negative energy balance achieved by reduction of dietary fat, which is the most energy-dense macronutrient (9 kcal/g) | LEARN Ornish Rosemary Conley |
| Low carbohydrate diet | Carbohydrate intake <130 g/day | Negative energy balance achieved by reduction of dietary carbohydrates (3.75 kcal/g) Mobilisation of glycogen stores and associated water loss Ketogenesis | Atkins South Beach Zone |
| Very-low carbohydrate diet | Carbohydrate intake <60 g/day | ||
| High protein diet | Protein accounts for >30% of energy intake | Increased satiety leading to reduced passive overconsumption of other macronutrients, thus achieving a lower energy balance | |
| Mediterranean-style diet | High intake of fruits, vegetables, grains; moderate intake of fat (mostly mono-unsaturated) and dairy (mostly cheese), reduced intake of meats (fish and poultry in preference to red meat) | Lipid reduction Lowering of oxidative stress and improved endothelial function Anti-inflammatory effects Gut microbiota changes | Regional variation |