Criticism on Atkins Diet

Many nutrition experts disagree with the basic premise of the Atkins Diet — the notion that high-carbohydrate, low-fat diets cause obesity. For evidence of the implausibility of the Atkins Diet, some nutritionists point out that the traditional Japanese diet is very high in carbohydrates, low in protein, and very low in fat; however, before the introduction of high-fat and high-protein Western foods, being overweight was rare in Japan. Such findings make sense because ounce for ounce, carbohydrates contain far fewer calories than do fats. These critics blame the over consumption of calories (from any source) and lack of physical activity as the primary causes of obesity.

Critics also express concern about the impact of the Atkins Diet on the overall health of the dieter. Depending on the foods chosen by the dieter, the diet may contain a large amount of saturated fat and cholesterol, putting those at risk for heart disease in danger. Recent research has found that high-protein diets speed up the progression of atherosclerosis, the main cause of heart attacks. Moreover, contrary to Atkins’ claims, extremely low-fat diets have been found to partially reverse heart disease. In addition, the lack of grains, fruits, and vegetables in the Atkins Diet may lead to deficiencies of key nutrients, including dietary fiber, vitamin C, folic acid, and several minerals. Finally, high protein diets may increase the risk of osteoporosis and accelerate the rate of deterioration in kidney function associated with aging.

Critics concede that Atkins dieters often experience significant weight loss during the initial stages of the diet. However, these critics argue that the diet has a diuretic effect and that the initial weight loss is due to water loss, not fat loss. Eventually the body restores its water and sodium balance, and the rate of weight loss declines. Critics also note that there is no evidence showing that the Atkins diet leads to greater weight loss than do other diets that provide more carbohydrates, yet the same number of calories.

Note: The dietary recommendations issued by various organizations, including the United States Department of Agriculture, the National Institutes of Health, and the American Heart Association, encourage a daily carbohydrate intake of approximately 300 grams.

In addition to the dietary restrictions discussed above, Dr. Atkins recommends regular exercise and nutritional supplementation as part of his weight loss program.

Side effects of Atkins diet

According to Atkins, the diet causes no adverse side effects. Many health care professionals disagree. In a fact sheet for the Healthcare Reality Check Web site (), Ellen Coleman, a registered dietician and author, said the diet may have serious side effects for some people. She said complications associated with the diet include ketosis, dehydration, electrolyte loss, calcium depletion, weakness, nausea, and kidney problems. "It is certainly riskier for overweight individuals with medical problems such as heart disease, hypertension, kidney disease, and diabetes than it is for overweight people with no health problems," she said.

People with diabetes taking insulin are at risk of becoming hypoglycemic if they do not eat appropriate carbohydrates. Also, persons who exercise regularly may experience low energy levels and muscle fatigue from low carbohydrate intake.

Over 97% of UK state registered dieticians surveyed condemned the Atkins Diet, saying it gave "bad dietary advice".

The diet, credited for keeping stars like Jennifer Anniston and Courtney Cox Arquette slim, recommends restricting major food groups in the diet.

It advocates a high protein and fat intake, but the severe restriction of carbohydrates, such as bread, pasta and other wheat products.

Advice

But dieticians say the diet should, but does not, advise people to seek medical advice before trying it. And they say that the Atkins diet contradicts all government advice to maintain a healthy and well balanced diet. Diets like the Atkins diet are often high in meat proteins and experts have warned that they could overload the kidneys.

And women of childbearing age have been warned not to follow high protein, low carbohydrate diets as they could be risking the health of their unborn babies.

Those following the diet are allowed to eat unlimited meat, eggs, fish and shellfish.

Catherine Collins, state registered dietician at St Georges Hospital, London, said although there was short term gain that there could be long term health effects.

Over the last few years there has been marked increase in the number of people eliminating certain food groups from their diet.

Diet

Many of these people have admitted to following celebrity-endorsed diets frequently reported in the media, such as The Atkins Diet.

While such diets may appear to work in the first instance, persisting with such a strict unbalanced diet will inevitably cause your body to suffer, and possibly impede your ability to maintain your weight loss in the long run.

It is really important for people to consult a qualified health professional such as a GP or state registered dietician before eliminating entire food groups from the diet.

Are there any groups or books associated with this diet?
Dr. Atkins has written several books on the Atkins Diet, including:
Dr. Atkins’ New Diet Revolution. Thorndike, ME: G.K. Hall, 2000.
Dr. Atkins’ Age-Defying Diet Revolution. New York: St. Martin’s Press, 2000.
Dr. Atkins’ New Diet Cookbook. New York: M. Evans and Company, 1997.
Dr. Atkins’ New Carbohydrate Gram Counter: More than 1200 Brand-name and Generic Foods Listed with Carbohydrate, Protein, and Fat Contents. New York: M. Evans and Company, 1996.
Dr. Atkins’ Vita-Nutrient Solution: Nature’s Answer To Drugs. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1999.
Official web site for the Atkins Diet
http://www.atkinsdiet.com