Scientists from the University of Copenhagen in Denmark recently revealed that individuals should maintain a diet that is rich in proteins if they would like to lose weight. The researchers also noted that eating less starch calories can also contribute to weight loss.

For the study, a total of 772 European families were analyzed. Overall, 938 overweight adults and 827 children participated – 45 percent of whom were overweight. For two months, the adults were assigned to an 800 calorie-per-day diet. These individuals were then randomly assigned to one of five different diets – two of which were high protein, two that were considered low-protein and a control diet – that they followed for six months. The children were not assigned to a specific diet, but rather followed the same diet as their parents.

Overall, the researchers found that the adults who were assigned to a high-protein, low-GI diet lost the most weight. These individuals also did not regain as much weight compared to those who were on the low-protein diet.

The children participants also exhibited similar results as their parents. Those who had maintained a high-protein, low-glycemic index diet lost significant amounts of weight. In fact, the amount of overweight children in the study group decreased by 15 percent.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that a high-protein diet could consist of poultry, meats, fish, dry beans, eggs and milk.