The complexity of weight loss goes way beyond our expectations. It would probably take thousands of years until we have established a firm understsanding of how the human body is linked to weight loss. And we are constantly been told that in order to lose weight we must take it easy on the calorie intake. (But just not go aggressive with cutting down, or else you'd suffer from the impacts when you consume less than 1000 calories a day).

However, experts have said that it’s not the quantity but quality of your diet that plays an important role in your journey to achieving the weight loss you desire.

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According to a study, people who reduced the consumption of highly processed foods, sugars and refined grains and instead, concentrated on consuming plenty of fresh vegetables, fruits and whole grains, lost a significant amount of weight over a period of one year. This proves that it’s what you eat that matters for maintaining weight and not how much you’re eating, provided that it's healthy.

The study also showed that this strategy of eating a quality diet works mostly for people who follow diets that are low in fat and carbohydrates. It revealed that one's genetics or one's insulin-response to carbohydrates does not affect their weight loss success. The research strongly supported the notion that people who eat quality diet tend to maintain a healthy weight in the long run.

People who concentrate on clean and healthy eating and avoid processed and refined foods, which includes white bread, refined flour, soda, carbonated beverages and sugary snacks, lead a healthy life.

The Research

The study was conducted for a year under a clinical trial by the scientists at Stanford University Medical School. A total of 609 adults, between the ages of 18 and 50 were a part of this trial. They were not suffering from diabetes and had a body mass index between 28 and 40. The study was also done to analyse DNA samples to know genetics variants that influence the process of fat and carbohydrates in the body.

It should be noted that a body mass index in the range 18.5 to 24.9 is considered healthy.

Related: 9 Steps To Lower Your Body Mass Index For Weight Loss

People were divided into two groups. One group was asked to eat a diet low in carbohydrates and the other group ate a diet that was low in fats. Both the groups were asked to focus on healthy foods and not on counting calories. Low-fat group people were discouraged from eating foods that were labelled 'low-fat'. No calorie-intake target was given to either of the groups and they were told to eat as many healthy foods as they wanted to consume.

It was noted that over a period of one year, people from low-carb group lost an average of 5 to 6 kilos and those who were in low-fat group lost an average of 4 to 5 kilos. It was also noted that people from both the groups managed to lose some waist size, maintained blood pressure, body fat and blood sugar levels.

Read: The Diet This Woman Credits for Her 65-Pound Weight Loss

This study also proved that the genetics of participants did not influence the effectiveness of either diet.

Side Effects Of Low-Quality Diets

If you prefer to take on a low-quality diet, you may experience:

• Slower metabolism
• Essential nutrient deficiencies
• Hormonal or chemical reactions

Hence, it would be wiser if you eat a balanced diet. Eat foods with plenty of nutritional value as it will not only help you in maintaining a healthy body but also in maintaining an ideal body weight.