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In the continuing battle of which diet is best for you, a recent study at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston has reignited a debate. The low-fat diet was the popular wisdom yet researchers that studied subjects on one of three diet regimens: a low-carb diet, a low-fat diet or a Mediterranean diet found that those on the low-fat diet lost the least weight – about 8 pounds over 2 years – but also bestowed the least health benefits. Those on the low-carb diet lost the most weight – about 12 pounds – and had better cholesterol levels. Those on the Mediterranean diet lost about 10 pounds and had better blood sugar levels.

Lead study investigator Dr. Neir Stampfer said "The main findings are that low-carb – as long as the protein and fat sources are healthful – and Mediterranean diets are good, and even preferential diets for weight loss, and they are safe." Some experts feel that the Mediterranean diet is one that dieters are more likely to stick with for an extended period of time.

As always, many in the medical community feel the study highlights that weight loss can be achieved in a number of different ways, and rather than focusing on one single diet plan, the better approach is to take the best elements of each diet and combine them into a plan that works for the individual with specific health needs. So if you want to cut some carbs, eliminate refined starches and refined sugars. If you want to cut some fat, eliminated trans fats and saturated fats.