What are the best weight loss diets? We looked to some long term medical studies to get an unbiased perspective on the most effective, the best weight loss diets. Here’s what we found:
 
There are 4 key elements to your best weight loss program:

First, exercise is essential. While exercise alone will not produce the best weight loss results, long term successful weight loss isn’t possible without it.

Second, calories matter, but not all calories are alike. The best weight loss programs emphasize healthy calories that are nutrient dense.

Third, glycemic index is a powerful influence on body fat production. Eating meals with an overall low to moderate glycemic index is one of the best weight loss secrets to surface in recent years.

Fourth, dieters who participate in some type of support, such as through a dieters support group or a Weight Watchers program, were most likely to lose weight and keep it off.
 

That said, here are our top picks for the best weight loss programs:
 
Best Weight Loss Diet #1: The South Beach Diet
The South Beach weight loss diet is a low-carbohydrate weight loss diet that works to stabilize blood sugar, which minimizes sweet cravings and reduces insulin production. Chronically high insulin levels tells the body to store food as fat instead of burning it as fuel. We think this is the best weight loss diet because it is simple to follow, nutritionally balanced and medically sound. This weight loss diet spans three phases and places as much importance on health as weight loss. The South Beach diet has successfully helped thousands of followers with weight loss of 8 – 13 pounds in the first two weeks.
 
Best Weight Loss Diet #2: The Mediterranean Diet
Based on the healthy diets of people living in the Mediterranean , our second pick for best weight loss diet has been positively cited in several weight loss studies. The New England Journal of Medicine reported that it can produce significant weight loss, 30% more than a comparable low-fat weight loss diet. The Mediterranean weight loss diet emphasizes whole grains, good fats and moderate consumption of red wine. The only foods that are heavily restricted are processed foods, saturated fat, white sugar and refined carbohydrates like white bread.

Best Weight Loss Diet #3: Jillian Michaels’ Weight Loss Diet
Jillian Michaels of the hit weight loss TV show Biggest Loser  has a proven track record of helping the seriously overweight lose dozens of pounds. Jillian Michaels’ weight loss diet, our third pick for the best weight loss diets, features foods that boost the body’s metabolism rate. Based on cutting edge medical research, Jillian Michaels’ weight loss diet works to balance insulin levels, thyroid levels, cortisol levels, and the hormones that stimulate fat burn.