Not all calories are created equal.

Different foods go through different metabolic pathways in your body.

They can have vastly different effects on your hunger, hormones and the number of calories you burn.

Here are the 20 most weight-loss-friendly foods on earth that are supported by science.

1. Whole Eggs

Once feared for being high in cholesterol, whole eggs have been making a comeback.

Although a high intake of eggs raises the levels of “bad” LDL-cholesterol in some people, they are one of the best foods to eat if you need to lose weight. They are high in protein and fat, and are very satiating.(1Trusted Source, 2Trusted Source).

One study in 30 overweight women showed that eating eggs for breakfast, instead of bagels, increased feelings of fullness (satiety) and made participants eat less for the next 36 hours (3Trusted Source).

Another eight-week study found that eggs for breakfast increased weight loss on a calorie restricted diet, compared to bagels (4Trusted Source).

Eggs are also incredibly nutrient dense and can help you get all the nutrients you need on a calorie-restricted diet. Interestingly, almost all the nutrients are found in the yolks.

3. Salmon

Fatty fish like salmon is incredibly healthy and very satisfying, keeping you full for many hours with relatively few calories.

Salmon is loaded with high-quality protein, healthy fats and various important nutrients.

Fish — and seafood in general — may also supply a significant amount of iodine.

This nutrient is necessary for proper thyroid function, which is important to keep your metabolism running optimally (7Trusted Source).

Studies show that a significant number of people don’t fill their iodine needs (8Trusted Source).

Salmon is also loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to help reduce inflammation, which is known to play a major role in obesity and metabolic disease (9Trusted Source, 10Trusted Source).

Mackerel, trout, sardines, herring and other types of fatty fish are also excellent.