Low-calorie diet |
Energy deficit of 500–1,000 kcal per day6,35)
Fundamental for weight loss and maintenance
Maximal weight loss may be achieved within the first 6 months, followed by a gradual decline in effectiveness thereafter35)
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Low-carbohydrate diet |
Consumption of carbohydrates as <45% of daily calories (typically 40%–45%)
May be effective for initial weight loss, but long-term results are comparable to those of a low-fat diet41)
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Low-fat diet |
Consumption of fat as <15%–20% of daily calories, especially saturated fatty acids as <7%–10%42)
Long-term results are not superior to those of other diets43)
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High-protein diet |
Consumption of protein as >25% (typically 25%–30%) or >1–1.2 g/kg of ideal body weight46)
Effective for weight maintenance compared to diets with other macronutrient content, but the difference is small47)
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Mediterranean diet |
High consumption of fruits and vegetables, poultry, fish, dairy products, and monounsaturated fats, with little to no consumption of red meat48)
Beneficial in cardiometabolic health51)
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