The Atkins diet is proven to shed pounds in those who follow its guidelines. Atkins dieters shun carbohydrate-rich foods and consume mostly protein and fats. The plan allows you to eat food traditionally avoided on diets, such as steak, bacon, sausage, cheese, milk and other fatty foods. The restriction of carbohydrate-rich foods might cause disadvantages for Atkins dieters, however. Before embarking in the Atkins diet or any other weight-loss plan, talk to your doctor to ensure it is right for you and to establish reasonable weight-loss goals.
Lack of Fiber
Dieters that follow the Atkins plan may not get enough fiber in their diets which can cause constipation and increase the risk of cancer, according to MayoClinic.com. Fiber helps to push matter through the digestive system and make bowel movements occur regularly. Fruits and other carbohydrate-rich foods such as wheat, oats and other grains are generally avoided by Atkins dieters. The meat and dairy most often consumed on the plan do not have significant amounts of fiber, leading to difficulty in elimination in some people. Fiber-rich foods tend to be rich in antioxidants and other anticancer components, leaving Atkins dieters exposed to a greater possibility of tumors than those that consume fiber-rich foods.
Little Clinical Data
There is an insufficient amount of scientific data regarding the long-term effects of the Atkins diet on human beings. USA Today reports that high-fat diets were long rejected by many researchers who opined that they were detrimental to health, especially in regards to cardiovascular disease. Some studies, including one presented by Duke University to the American Heart Association in 2002, show that the Atkins diet might reduce cholesterol and have positive effects on weight loss. More studies are required in order to establish the results over periods of many years, however, so anyone considering the Atkins diet should use caution and consult a physician for the latest medical data before embarking on it.
Side Effects
By eliminating carbohydrates and consuming strictly proteins and fats, the human body enters a state where blood sugar is depleted and fat is consumed instead in a process called ketosis. Ketosis might cause you to feel uncomfortable and have bad breath. It can also lead to tiredness, nausea, mineral depletion and dehydration, according to Vanderbilt University's Health Psychology website. You may experience a headache and stomach pain, and a general weakness. If you encounter severe side effects while on the Atkins diet, see a licensed health care practitioner immediately.
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