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If you're concerned about the health of your heart, a study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, claims that weight-loss plans vary significantly in their ability to reduce heart disease.

When researchers studied 10 popular weight-loss plans using the Alternate Healthy Eating Index (AHEI), they found that the Ornish Diet, Weight Watchers High Carbohydrate and New Glucose Revolution plans scored highest. At the bottom of the list came the high-protein, low-carbohydrate Atkins plan.

What links the three highest-scoring diets was an emphasis on fruits and vegetables, higher whole grain composition and lower trans fats.

The AHEI, developed by the Harvard School of Public Health, is a measure that compares dietary factors that are most strongly linked to heart disease risk reduction, such as the right balance of fruits, vegetables and fibre.

"Obviously, obesity is associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease," said Professor Yunsheng Ma, one of the study's primary authors. "Optimal weight-loss plans should facilitate both weight loss and chronic disease prevention, specifically cardiovascular risk reduction."

The researchers did not advocate any one weight-loss plan. But, according to Ma, people who are trying to lose weight should look to the components of the top-scoring diets to help create a heart-healthy eating plan.

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