Low-carbohydrate diets like the Atkins diet are popular because people who use them see results. Eric Westman, associate professor of medicine at Duke University, found that as many as 80 percent of obese patients on the Atkins diet plan succeeded in losing 10 percent of their body weight, an average of about 20 pounds, over a six-month period, reports "Duke Magazine." But despite those results, the Atkins diet may come with serious health risks for many people.
Increased Risk for Colon Cancer
Eating large quantities of red meat, a key part of the Atkins program, may increase your risk for colon cancer, according to the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. Low-carbohydrate diets are also low in dietary fiber, which can help protect against colon cancer. Colon cancer is one of the most prevalent forms of cancer in the U.S.
Unbalanced Diet
For many dieters, cutting out carbohydrates means eating more fat, protein and calories, according to Elisabetta Politi, the nutrition manager of the Duke Diet & Fitness Center, in "Duke Magazine." This can add up to a diet with more saturated fat and more cholesterol than most people need. At the same time, following the Atkins diet may make it hard to get your recommended daily allowance of fiber and some vitamins and minerals, according to the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.
Increased Risk for Heart Disease
Consuming high levels of saturated fat and cholesterol increases your risk for heart disease, too, says Neil Barnard, adjunct associate professor of medicine at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences and Life Member of the American Medical Association, in "Good Medicine." According to Barnard, claims that the Atkins diet is heart-healthy are seriously misleading.
Potential Kidney Health Problems
People who eat diets high in animal protein are at risk for kidney health problems in the long term, according to the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. As many as one in four adults may be at risk for kidney function problems, and following the Atkins diet plan can exacerbate the issue. High-animal protein diets may also increase your risk for kidney stones.
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