ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate which type of diet is most effective for weight loss. Methods: Relevant studies for this type of review were identified from March to May 2018 by several sources, in the electronic databases PubMed, CINAHL, Scielo, SCOPUS, Web of Science, BVS Portal, EMBASE and Cochrane Library. For gray literature, Open Green and Base search and hand search repositories, which is a free search for materials that address the subject were searched. Results: The selected publications totaled 537, of which 104 were from the electronic databases and 433 records identified through other databases. After the removal of duplicates, 113 titles and abstracts and 37 complete texts were selected, after reading the articles in full, 14 articles were selected for inclusion in this review. Out of the 14 articles analyzed, relevant results were presented for a diet rich in fruits and vegetables; oleaginous, especially nuts; a Mediterranean diet was noted in three studies; dietary guidelines based on guides was mentioned in two studies and a high-protein diet was cited four times. Conclusion: The most effective diet for weight loss was the high fiber diet, although it contributes with small percentage value.