Since the introduction of the Atkins Diet in the 1970s, low-carb dieting has been a popular yet controversial weight loss option. According to Dr. Atkins, low-carb dieting works on the principle that the body will burn more fat when carbohydrates are restricted. Despite the popularity of these diets, health authorities like the Mayo Clinic question their safety and effectiveness. Anyone considering a carb-restricted diet should be aware of the risks involved.
Dehydration
Your body stores carbohydrates along with water. As stored glucose is metabolized, your body begins to store less water. This initial loss of water weight is often mistaken for a reduction in body fat. Without carbohydrates, your body is more susceptible to dehydration, often resulting in muscle cramps.
Fatigue
Carbohydrates, according to the National Strength and Conditioning Association, are your body's preferred source of energy. Restricting carbs often leaves you feeling groggy and fatigued, especially at the start of a diet. For some dieters, the adjustment to a low carbohydrate intake takes only a week or so. Others, however, will have difficulty throughout the duration of the diet.
Cravings
As you reduce carbohydrates, it's typical to experience strong cravings for carbohydrates and sweets. These cravings are particularly powerful at the start of a low-carb diet. Strong cravings increase the likelihood of cheating on or completely abandoning your diet.
Repetitiveness
Low-carb diets severely limit your selection of allowable foods. A typical low-carb diet limits you to meat, some dairy, eggs, nuts and fibrous vegetables. With few food options, a low-carb diet can quickly turn boring and tempt you to cheat.
Inconvenience
The average diet is centered around grains and starches. A diet that deviates from this norm can be difficult to follow in everyday life. Social events that center around food can be difficult; you can appear anti-social if you refuse to eat the same foods as everyone else.
Cholesterol
The Atkins diet requires the intake of high-fat, high-cholesterol foods like red meat, bacon and egg yolks. While some dieters may not have any issues with these foods, others may see a significant increase in the risk of heart attack and cancer, according to MayoClinic.com.
References
- "Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning - 3rd Edition"; National Strength and Conditioning Association; 2008
- "Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution, Revised Edition"; Dr. Robert C. Atkins, M.D.; 2002
- MayoClinic.com: Low-carb Diet
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