According to new research, cutting back on calories is just as effective as combining diet and exercise, as long as the calories consumed and burned are equal.

ABC News' Janet Helm reported that the new study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism also found that adding exercise to a weight-loss regimen does not improve body composition and abdominal fat.

Even though the increased physical activity did not budge belly fat — it did improve the aerobic fitness level of the exercise group compared to the calorie-restricted and control groups.

The authors concluded that aerobic fitness has other important cardiovascular and metabolic implications.

Hmmm, guess that means I can't stop doing sit-ups? Oh, my aching tummy!

-- Amanda Barett, amNY.com