While considered by some to be a fad diet, the Atkins Diet is based on the science of the body's metabolism. The Atkins eating plan requires a significant change in eating habits and can produce substantial weight loss when followed accurately. Before choosing the Atkins Diet, however, you must first consider its potential problems as well as its benefits.
History
MayoClinic.com warns that the Atkins Diet is not actually a medical diet, but the diet was created by a physician. Dr. Robert C. Atkins, a cardiologist. In 1972 the diet was made available to the public. According to the Atkins website, Dr. Atkins created the plan to fight obesity in the general public after extensively studying the effects of carbohydrates on weight gain and loss.
Benefits
One of the most famous Atkins benefits is weight loss, which is often substantial and rapid. Because the Atkins Diet restricts starchy carbohydrates, many unhealthy foods are off the list. These include alcohol and refined flour products. Carbohydrates are the only restrictions of the diet, but the Atkins website recommends healthy protein choices as the main dietary choices. The recommended fare includes fish and lean meats, low-fat dairy products and healthy oils. Vegetables should make up a majority of the daily carbohydrate allowance. According to the Atkins website, the eating plan decreases risk factors for major diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes. They back up this claim by citing several research articles, including those from the University of Cincinnati and the University of Pennsylvania, both of which found improvements in lipoproteins and cardiovascular risks.
Potential Problems
The American Academy of Family Physicians, or AAFP, warns that carbohydrate-restrictive diets such as Atkins may leave dieters prone to nutritional deficiencies. Limiting vegetables and whole grains may leave little room for the necessary daily dose of vitamins and minerals. In addition, it has the potential to promote dehydration, based on its effects on the urine. However, this may only be a problem if a dieter has underlying kidney problems. Some other less serious problems resulting from the Atkins eating plan include constipation and diarrhea.
The Long-Term
The Atkins Diet can promote weight loss, but it may or may not be any more effective than other diet plans. According to the AAFP, there is little difference in outcomes among people following Atkins and other diet plans after one year, despite the difference in weight loss during the first few months. After the initial phases of weight loss on the plan, Atkins recommends following a maintenance eating plan. This means that carbohydrates continue to be restricted, though to a lesser degree. Those who are not willing to continue counting their carbohydrates in the long-term may wish to consider another diet plan.
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