A study at the Arnold School of Public Health at USC might be able to help New Year’s resolution-makers who want to eat healthy and shed pounds.

The New DIETs for Weight Loss study is recruiting participants for an eight-week approach to weight loss.

The study will explore how each of the following diets can improve health and enhance weight loss:

Vegan: fruits, vegetables, legumes and grains

Vegetarian: eggs, cheese, fruits, vegetables, legumes and grains

Pesco-vegetarian: fish, eggs, cheese, fruits, vegetables, legumes and grains

Semi-vegetarian: limited red meat and poultry; fish, eggs, cheese, fruits, vegetables, legumes and grains

Omnivorous: all foods but choosing healthier portions.

Participants must be ages 18-65, have access to a computer with internet capabilities and be overweight with a body mass index of 25-49.9. Participants must able to attend up to seven weekly evening meetings at USC starting in late January.

Those who qualify will receive a free weight loss program and be randomly assigned to follow one of the five dietary approaches. Participants will receive $20 at completion of the eight-week trial.

Information: www.newdietsstudy.com, email brie@sc.edu or call (803) 777-3932.