Many people can't lose weight on several weight-loss programs and have trouble losing weight on the Atkins Diet because they have a "metabolic resistance to weight loss," according to the late Dr. Robert Atkins, the diet's creator. Atkins wrote in "Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution" that he identified the causes of metabolic resistance and devised solutions that helped people on the Atkins Diet reach their weight-loss goal after their weight loss stalled.
Explanation
People with a metabolic resistance to weight loss don't lose as much weight as most people on the Atkins Diet unless they accept "more intense dietary restrictions," wrote Atkins. The average Atkins dieters lose 8 lbs. during the diet's first two weeks, 1 to 3 lbs. per week until they're 5 to 10 lbs. above their weight goal and 1 lb. weekly until they reach their weight goal. They lose weight by restricting carbohydrates and eating more high-fat and protein foods.
Causes
Dieters who aren't losing weight although they're following the Atkins Diet's rules and aren't changing their activity levels are most likely having one or more of four major problems, according to "Diet Revolution." Prescription drugs, including anti-depressants, diuretics, beta blockers, synthetic hormone replacements and anti-arthritis medications, frequently prevent weight loss, Atkins wrote. An underactive thyroid, excessive insulin and an excess of yeast caused by years of eating a high-sugar diet also prevent weight loss.
Solution
The Atkins Diet doesn't restrict calories or protein. It restricts carbohydrates to 20 g daily during the two-week induction phase and permits more carbs after that. However, a "Fat Fast" diet is needed if reducing your carbohydrate intake back to 20 g daily doesn't spur weight loss. The Fat Fast diet mandates eating a maximum of 1,000 calories daily and "virtually no food except fat" for four or five days. Atkins recommends five 200-calorie "feedings." If the diet works, you can increase your calorie and nonfat intake until weight loss stops again.
Choices
Atkins' recommendations for 200-calorie feedings include two hard-boiled egg yolks with 1 tbsp. of mayonnaise, two deviled eggs with 2 tsp. of mayonnaise, 2 oz. of brie or cream cheese and 2 oz. of sour cream or whipped heavy cream with syrup that has no sucralose -- an artificial sweetener with no calories. If weight loss resumes, you can begin eating 300-calorie feedings, including two scrambled eggs with two strips of bacon without nitrate, 2 oz. of beef chuck and 1/4 cup of chicken salad or tuna salad.
Warnings
You should eat more if you're losing more than 1 lb. daily because losing weight too fast causes excessive loss of minerals and water, according to "Diet Revolution." You shouldn't attempt the Atkins Diet if you're pregnant or nursing or you have severe kidney problems. The Merck Manual of Medical Information advises readers to consult their doctor before trying to lose a lot of weight and says eating fewer than about 1,600 calories daily is dangerous if you have very little body fat.
References
- "Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution"; Dr. Robert Atkins; 2002
- Atkins International: Official Home Page
- "The Merck Manual of Medical Information"; 1999
Member Comments