The most popular American approach to quick weight loss is a very low carbohydrate diet (less than 20 grams of carbohydrate a day) that is high in fat – 65% of the calories come from fat. If total calories are kept under 1500 a day, the average patient loses 3-5 pounds a week. The most popular French diet (the Dukan Diet) uses the same very low carbohydrate intake (less than 20 grams of carbohydrate a day), but cuts fat as much as possilble, 65% of calories from protein – so weight loss is faster, usually 5 pounds plus a week. The advantage of the American approach is that it’s easier to stay on a high fat low carbohydrate diet – you’re less hungry, you have more energy and you have fewer cravings. The advantage of the French approach is that weight loss is faster, because calories are lower, usually about 1000 a day.