When it comes to weight loss, many of us have dabbled in the latest diets. But whether you’re cutting carbs or keeping to keto, new research shows that diet trends can cost more than your waistline and leave a hefty hole in your hip pocket.

In a new study, UniSA researchers have evaluated the affordability of popular diets, comparing them to the recommendations within the Australian Guide to Health Eating (AGHE), and the Mediterranean Diet, finding that costs of cutting your calories can vary by up to $300 per week.

The research shows that the most cost-effective diet was modelled from the AGHE and adapted for weight loss through calorie restriction. This meal plan included all five core food groups and a range of affordable staple items such as breads, pasta, and legumes, as well as lower amounts of animal products.

The diet plans that were most expensive typically restricted multiple food groups and included premium products such as organic produce, protein supplements, low-carbohydrate replacements, and high protein bread.

In Australia, more than 2.5 million Australians had tried a weight loss diet.

Lead researcher Associate Professor Karen Murphy says understanding the costs of weight loss programs is important, especially when people are facing financial struggles and reduced access to fresh produce amid COVID-19 and current floods.

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Materials provided by University of South Australia. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.