A study recently published in the British Journal of Nutrition and described here is the first meta-analysis to compare the two most popular weight loss strategies. A meta-analysis evaluates and combines individual published research findings that look at the same question. In this review, an analysis of 13 randomized, controlled trials revealed that the Atkins approach showed better long term effects in the primary outcome of weight loss, and also showed the greatest improvement in key metabolic markers. Meaning that the folks on low-carb, high fat, moderate protein and healthy vegetables and fruits lost the most weight, and most normalized their "good" cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure numbers.
The Weight Loss Eating Plan in the Real Food section of this site is a modified version of the Atkins diet that maintains all its basic principles and puts greater emphasis on food quality.
