Adherence
Adherence to a prescribed caloric reduction is the primary determinant of weight loss success, regardless of the specific macronutrient composition of the diet.
Stop looking for the 'perfect' diet. Whether you choose low-carb, low-fat, or portion-controlled, the key to losing weight is sticking to a calorie deficit. Choose the eating pattern you can maintain long-term, as adherence is the main driver of success, not the specific macronutrients.
There is currently no evidence that clearly supports a superiority of one macronutrient composition for diets used for weight loss. The principal effect seems to be the degree of adherence to the prescribed calorie reduction.
Why this rating
Based on multiple meta-analyses and randomized controlled trials comparing various diets (Atkins, Ornish, Zone, etc.) showing no significant difference in outcomes when adherence is controlled.
Source
Lifestyle and Pharmacological Approaches to Weight Loss: Efficacy and Safety
George A. Bray · The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism · 2008
This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →