Ukmedix has seen research that looked into the different methods of dieting and studied their effectiveness. The study compared four well known weight loss plans by getting volunteers to use them and and to monitor the results carefully. The four diets were a) The Slim Fast Plan that is a diet that requires you to pkip means and replace them with a specially formulated powdered drink. b) The Weight Watchers Pure Points Diet that involves weekly meetings to compare results and a low calorie approach to eating. c) Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution that is a low carb eating plan with no meetings and finally d) The Rosemary Conley's Eat Yourself Slim Diet and Fitness Plan which is a UK weekly weight loss plan and includes exercise.

The volunteers were told not to deviate from the weight loss plans that they were set and they were weighed at regular intervals over the first six months and then after 12 onths to see if they continued and maintained the weight loss. Weight as well as body fat were looked at recorded.

Ther results showed that all the diet were effective to some extent and after the 6 months were up all the participants showed a lower level of body fat and weight. Overall the average weight reduction was 5.9 kg and the average fat reduction was 4.4 kilograms or about 5% 10% of total body weight. The researchers noted that the Atkins diet did not increase the cholesterol levels in its users and produced a a big weight loss in the first month but was not more effective than the others in the long run. The differences in heart risk factors were monitored too and overall there were no significant differences to report.

The results began to vary more after the 12 month period was up. Interestingly only half the 300 original volunteers submitted the required information to the researchers and of these 45% were still adhering to the diets that they were asked to follow. The numbers clearly showed that the people who were still dieting were those that were in the group and supported diets like Weight Watchers and the Rosemary Conley diet plans. Those on the Atkins and Slim Fast were more likely to stop following the diet plan allocated to them.

The research underlines the importance of pyschological support in dieting and shows that it can sometimes be the most important factor in the diet and whether it succeeds or not. While other diets that rely purely on self discipline and setting your own targets can be effective, in the long run they show a higher rate of failure than the support based ones.

Ukmedix believes that it is important to find a diet that suits you, your character and your lifestyle and that the diet should be considered for the long term and as a quick fix sudden weight loss.