A new study into so called low-carb foods shows they do not necessarily help with weight loss.

The independent consumer magazine Choice says there is little evidence that low-carbohydrate foods are nutritionally superior to standard foods.

Food policy officer Clare Hughes says they also cost a lot more.

Ms Hughes says if people want to effectively lose weight, they should eat fresh foods and do regular exercise.

“In some cases there was very little difference in the carbohydrate content of the low-carb foods versus the conventional foods,” she said.

“Even we found in one case that there was more kilojoules in the low-carb product than the equivalent amount of the conventional product and, of course, if you’re wanting to lose weight kilojoules do count.”