The first USDA summit on nutrition in 31 years took place this past week. In addition to issuing new dietary guidelines and meat labeling requirements, the government announced plans to fund a study to try to settle the long-standing dispute between the two opposing schools of thought on weight loss: low-carb vs. low-fat.

The government stated that a great deal of money and effort is being spent on these diets and it would like to try to finally settle the matter. Additionally, about 55% of the adult population are now considered to be overweight, more than double the percentage in 1969.

Former cardiologist Dr. Robert Atkins is probably the most well known and outspoken champion of the low-carb diets, particularly his own, which is of course known as the Atkins Diet. However, he is not the first, nor the only doctor advocating the reduction of carbohydrates. On the other side of the diet spectrum is Dr. Dean Ornish, who advocates an ultra low-fat, almost vegetarian diet.

Both doctors claim that their diet is not only superior for losing weight, but will benefit overall health as well. In addition, they each claim that the other's diet plan is dangerous and should be avoided.

"If they do the diet [low-carb] correctly, it will change the basic eating patterns of Americans" according to Dr. Atkins. "It will be the greatest step forward that has ever taken place" he stated.

While making a statement at the podium, Secretary of Agriculture Glickman got a tofu cream pie in the face from a member of PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). The group claims this was done because of the government "pushing meat and promoting animal cruelty".