Losing weight can help most Americans improve their health and feel better about themselves – but which method is best?

According to a new study funded by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, the best way for people to shed pounds may be to reduce the number of calories consumed.

The researchers compared four diets which contained different proportions of fat, protein and carbohydrates as part of their guidelines.

Each participant, regardless of groups, was also asked to cut their daily calorie intake by 750 and incorporate 90 weekly minutes of exercise. Additionally, each person met with a diet counselor and kept a food diary.

At the end of six months, the researchers could not find a significant different between the results gained from the various diets.

All of the groups’ participants had lost an average of 13 pounds and had similar blood pressure and cholesterol.

“These results show that, as long as people follow a heart-healthy, reduced-calorie diet, there is more than one nutritional approach to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight,” said Dr. Elizabeth G. Nabel, director of the NHLBI.