The relationship between the Atkins diet and heart disease is important, as heart disease is the No. 1 killer in America and affects millions of men and women. The Atkins diet was one of the first low-carbohydrate diets and initially had no restrictions against eating saturated fat, in an era when saturated fat was being implicated as contributing to heart disease. More than 40 years later, there are still concerns about this issue.
About the Atkins Diet
Cardiologist Dr. Robert C. Atkins developed the diet in the 1970s, and in 1972, published the best-selling "Dr. Atkins' Diet Revolution." This low-carbohydrate diet has generated controversy from the beginning due to the recommendations for higher amounts of protein and saturated fat compared to recommendations from the American Heart Association. The Atkins Diet has four phases, known as Induction, Ongoing Weight Loss, Pre-Maintenance and Maintenance. When first released, the Atkins diet did not limit fat or protein, but it was revised in the 1990s. Now, each phase is characterized by essentially unlimited amounts of protein and a relatively high fat intake, with fat comprising about 20 percent of total calories. Carbohydrates are limited initially, with gradually increasing levels of complex carbohydrates ranging from 20g in Induction to up to 100g in Maintenance. The diet is of a type known as ketogenic, meaning the body burns fat stores to make up for lower intakes of carbohydrates.
Effectiveness
Reports are mixed on whether the diet works. A number of studies comparing the Atkins diet to other diet types have shown that it is effective for weight loss in the short term. Dr. Christopher Walker and Dr. Brian Reamy, writing in the April 2009 issue of "American Family Physician," compared the Atkins, Zone, Sugar Busters! and South Beach Diets and found Atkins the most effective for weight loss.They also found post-menopausal women had lost more weight at the end of one year on the Atkins diet than on the Ornish, Zone or LEARN diets. But some medical organizations, such as the American Medical Association, American Dietetic Association and the American Heart Association, oppose the Atkins Diet for reasons ranging from lack of vitamins to emphasis on saturated fats and limits on carbohydrates.
Atkins Diet and Heart Disease
With regard to heart disease, the jury on the Atkins Diet is still out. Dr. Atkins reported many beneficial effects from following his diet, but independent studies were lacking. Shortly after Dr. Atkins' death from head injuries suffered in a fall, independent studies began to emerge on the Atkins Diet. A study by Allen R. Last M.D. M.P.H. and Stephen A. Wilson M.D. published in the June 2006 issue of "American Family Physician" indicated that low-carbohydrate diets could improve lipoproteins and triglyceride levels, both of which are linked to heart disease. Walker and Remay reported similar results in their 2009 study. While improved levels of both blood tests is promising, it does not automatically mean the Atkins Diet can prevent or reverse heart disease. The studies, which have been done have been short term, and more research is needed to see if such improvements can be sustained over time.
Exercise
The Atkins diet also recommends exercise --- while it does not specify the type or amount, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has set a goal as stated in Healthy People 2010 of at least 30 minutes of moderate activity a day for adults. Increased exercise does help with weight loss and does have cardiovascular benefits, so it is possible that the Atkins Diet, in combination with exercise, may have a beneficial effect related to preventing heart disease or its progression. At this time there is no research specific to the issues of exercise and the Atkins Diet as it relates to heart disease.
Warning
If you have a family history of heart disease or currently have heart disease, consult your health care practitioner before beginning the Atkins or any other diet. High-protein diets, including Atkins, are not recommended for people with kidney disease.
References
- "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine": Atkins Diet
- "American Family Physician"; Diets for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention: What Is the Evidence?; Dr. Christopher Walker and Dr. Brian Reamy; Apr. 2009
- MayoClinic.com Weight Loss: Atkins Diet: What's Behind the Claims?
- "American Family Physician"; Low-Carbohydrate Diets; Allen R. Last M.D. M.P.H. and Stephen A. Wilson M.D.; Jun. 2006
- Healthy People 2010: Healthy People 2010 Objectives Physical Activity in Adults
