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Even though a number of people have succumbed to the belief that the Paleo diet, or so-called "caveman" diet, is extremely healthy, they may be wrong. The diet may really lead to weight gain, rather than loss.

In a study published in the journal Nutrition & Diabetes, conducted by researchers at the University of Melbourne, scientists found that it is a low-carb, high-fat food plan that lasts for only eight weeks and could make you gain, not lose weight.

When the experiment was conducted on mice, it was found that they gained 15 percent of their body weight and started to show health complications.

Hence, the lead professor does not advise the Paleo diet, especially for those who are already overweight, but suggests that they should follow a Mediterranean diet.

The Paleo diet asks you to eat like a caveman would---mainly meat, fish, fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, nuts, seeds and healthful oils, says Medical Daily.

This diet does not let you eat "potatoes, grains, legumes, refined sugar, salt, any processed foods or refined vegetable oils".

"We are told to eat zero carbs and lots of fat on the paleo diet," associate professor Sof Andrikopoulos said, "Our model tried to mimic that, but we didn't see any improvements in weight or symptoms. In fact, they got worse. The bottom line is it's not good to eat too much fat. Low-carbohydrate, high-fat diets are becoming more popular, but there is no scientific evidence that these diets work."

The Paleo diet got popularity in 2001, when Loren Cordain published "The Paleo Diet." A number of fans decided to follow it. Celebrity chef Pete Evans, a staunch devotee of the Paleo diet, continues to promote it.

"YOU HAVE TO LAUGH AT WHAT THE SO CALLED 'PROFESSIONALS' ARE SPROUTING THIS WEEK, as they keep digging a deeper and deeper hole for themselves!" Evans wrote on Facebook. "The media and also the health organisations are once again clutching at straws. This time it is a study done on Mice - yep you heard that right...mice!"

He feels that the test should be done on humans. "The amount of Australians that have reached out to me to say how the paleo way have helped their type 2 diabetes is amazing," he continued. "So much so that a lot are off all their medication, proves and illustrates that this way of life is working for so many people. With close to 1 million Australians with type 2 diabetes, the paleo way is a bloody good place to start and of course consult with your healthy health professional that is up to date with the latest science."