Mediterranean diet on list of effective weight-loss diets, but what tops list?

(CBS) The Mediterranean diet has long been touted as a healthy one, and a ranking of popular eating plans just released by "U.S. News & World Report" pegs it at #2 in terms of overall health benefits.

But when it comes to triggering weight loss, the Mediterranean diet - which focuses on produce, nuts, whole grains, olive oil, and seafood - doesn't even crack the top 10.

PICTURES: Top 20 diets for weight loss

The magazine asked 22 experts to rate popular diets in seven categories: short-term weight loss, long-term weight loss, how easy it is to follow, its nutritional completeness, its safety, its ability to prevent or manage diabetes, and its ability to prevent or manage heart disease.

The rankings were published in the magazine's June 7 issue.

The Mediterranean diet - so named for its popularity in Greece and neighboring countries - earned the #2 spot after being ranked as the fourth-best diet for preventing heart disease and fifth-best for preventing diabetes.

But how does the diet stack up for weight loss, and which diet is tops for taking off extra pounds?Click here to find out.