(CBS/AP) The Atkins diet may have proved itself after all: A low-carb diet and a Mediterranean-style regimen helped people lose more weight than a traditional low-fat diet in one of the longest and largest studies to compare the dueling weight-loss techniques.

A bigger surprise: The low-carb diet improved cholesterol more than the other two. Some critics had predicted the opposite.

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Have you tried either the Atkins or Mediterranean Diet?

Since my mid-forties, I've been frustrated by weight creep, the inevitable midlife "spread." Even though I'm fairly active and try to eat healthfully, the scale is not being very friendly. I've been thinking about going on some sort of "managed" diet program, like Jennie Craig or Nutrisystem; but, concerned that they're more marketing gimmicks than anything else. What's so special about their packaged foods? Is it more just the convenience of having things figured out for you? Has anyone tried such programs and gotten results? Inquiring mind wants to know. :)