The brand of a diet does little to affect the outcome, a new study has found.

Differences between brands and diet plan specifics do not appear to matter in the long run. The study found that certain types of diets, such as low fat and low carb, may produce slightly better weight loss results in the short term, but these differences are not big enough to matter to most, the study claims.

The study examined 11 different diet plan brands. Data was drawn from 49 randomized trials that lasted three months or more and included participants who were considered overweight or obese. Some of the groups had exercise plans incorporated into their diet plans and all had daily calorie and nutrient goals.

Three types of diets were included in the analysis: low fat, low carb and moderate macronutrient.

Low fat diet plans examined, like Rosemary Conley and Ornish, required daily calories from fat to be less than 20 percent, with an expected 60 percent carb calorie intake.

Zone, Atkins and South Beach diets were used to represent the low carb type. They required carb related calories to remain under 40 percent and encouraged a 30 percent intake of calories derived from protein.

The moderate macronutrient diets expect the calorie distribution to be around 60 percent for carbs, but less specifications were placed on fats or proteins. Plans included in this study were Jenny Craig, Biggest Loser, Volumetrics, Weight Watchers and Nutrisystem.

At the six month follow-up, those on low fat and low carb diets lost an average of 17 and 19 pounds respectively. The one year follow-up found that both groups averaged 16 pounds of weight loss. Moderate macronutrient weight loss averaged 12.5 pounds at the one year mark.

Dieticians and medical professionals agree that the key elements to success with these diet plans include eliminating junk food, modifying behaviors and staying consistent with the program. Experts say that even though the moderate macronutrient diets produce less immediate weight loss, they are easier to maintain because they offer more variability in meal plans and more behavioral support.