In 1997, Peter D'Adamo released the diet book Eat Right 4 Your Type. Like a lot of diet books before it, it topped the bestseller lists. More than a decade later there are three million copies in print in 50 different languages and the idea that your blood type affects the way you digest food is still going strong.

From the Atkins Diet in the eighties, The Zone in the nineties and the home grown CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet in the naughties, many diet books have enjoyed their moment in the sun based on the fact that most of us, at some time or other, are looking for a way to lose weight or improve our health and lifestyle through diet.

But D'Adamo's idea is unique. He explains that when we eat, a chemical reaction occurs between our blood and the food, which is why some foods may be harmful to the cells of one blood type and beneficial to the cells of another.

Put simply, the blood type diet is all about lectins (proteins contained in foods). D'Adamo says our blood type is genetically programmed to either accept or reject certain lectins and this can affect your digestion, immunity and even your susceptibility to allergies and illness.

D'Adamo's devotees, known as BTDs (blood type dieters), accept his teachings around the importance of individual biochemistry and alter their diets to fit his rules.

A basic breakdown of his recommendations is that people with an A blood type are better suited to a vegetarian diet, Type Os can eat plenty of red meat but should cut down on grains and dairy, while type Bs will thrive on a diet rich in dairy.

While D'Adamo's diet offers hope for a certain group - those who might be frustrated by an apparent inability to lose weight while their skinny siblings or friends thrives on pizza and ice-cream. But while many claim to have had success on the diet, his critics cite a lack of scientific evidence.

But there's one thing for certain. Whether or not the bloodtype diet works, it does promote more exercise and less calorie intake. And that say most diet experts is what will help you shed the pounds in the end.

Overview: D'Adamo's blood type diet rules:

Type O:meat (high protein, low carbohydrate). Cut out wheat and most other grains. Take vigorous aerobic exercise. D'Adamo says risk factors for ulcers and inflammatory diseases such as arthritis increase if you eat incorrectly for your type.

Type A: Eat a largely vegetarian diet (high carbohydrate, low fat). Take gentle exercise such as yoga or golf and meditate to deal with stress. D'Adamo says risk factors for cancer and heart disease increase if you eat incorrectly.

Type B: Type B's can eat the most varied diet of all the blood types, including meat and dairy products. Take exercise such as moderate swimming or walking. The risk for slow-growing viruses which attack the nervous system increases if you eat incorrectly for your type.

Type AB: Type AB's will also own most of the benefits and intolerances of types A and B, so most foods which are recommended for either type A or B will work. Engage in calming exercises and relaxation techniques.

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