The researchers say this method of reducing weight is as successful as weight-loss drugs.

Dr. Sue D. Pedersen and her research team from the University of Calgary conducted a study 130 people with type 2 diabetes using commercially available portion control plates and bowls.

The plates were divided into sections based on requirements for carbohydrates, proteins, cheese and sauce, with vegetables taking up the rest of the plate; the sections equated to an 800 calorie meal for men and a 650 calorie meal for women.

Dr. Pedersen says the weight loss seen in the study was similar to weight loss seen in studies of medications for weight loss but without the potential for side effects and at a fraction of the cost.

The novel tool is a type of dishware marked with lines that indicate the appropriate portion sizes for starches, meats and vegetables and experts hope that the new dishware will aid people who are overweight or obese to knowingly reduce their calorie intake, and eat proper meals based on their nutritional requirements.

The researchers say the increasing levels of obesity run parallel with increasing portion sizes now offered by the food industry, and portion sizes are an important indication of energy intake.

They say the number of calories ingested by people at a meal has been directly correlated with the serving size offered.

Dr. Pedersen, who is an endocrinologist says people using the plate were over three times more likely to lose a clinically significant amount of weight than non-plate users.

For the study a British-made 'Diet Plate' was used which was donated by the manufacturer who did not fund the study; none of the study participants were told to make significant lifestyle changes, such as exercising more or less.

Among those who used the plate for six months, 17 percent lost 5 percent or more of their weight, while in the group that didn't use the plate, fewer than one person in 20 lost a significant amount.

Also according to the study, more than a quarter of the plate users were able to reduce their diabetic medication, compared to 34 percent of those who did not use the Diet Plate who had to increase their drug intake.

The findings are published in the Archives of Internal Medicine.