Atkins IS better than the GI diet at keeping off the pounds, say scientists

Now, scientists may have settled the debate with a study showing that an Atkins-like high protein diet stops slimmers from piling the pounds back on.

In contrast, the popular GI diet, which distinguishes between "good" and "bad" carbohydrates, seems to do nothing to prevent weight from creeping back up.

Professor Arne Astrup, president of the International Association for the Study of Obesity, said results from a study of 250 men and women showed that protein, not carbohydrate, was the key to the battle of the bulge.

Each was asked to follow a selection of diets for six months to work out the best recipe for maintaining weight loss. The diets contained high or low levels of protein, coupled with high or low GI foods.

Atkins fan: Geri Halliwell