A safe weight loss rate is 1 to 2 lbs. per week. Losing more than that is usually a bad idea because you risk losing muscle mass, rather than burning fat. However, it is possible to lose at a faster rate at the beginning of a diet, and this is the case with the Atkins Diet.
Phase 1
The first two weeks on Atkins are known as Phase 1 or the Induction phase. According to Atkins.com, you can expect to lose up to 15 lbs. during those two weeks. Induction has two main objectives: to jumpstart your weight loss and to deplete your body of glucose, so you start burning fat instead of carbs for energy. Much of the weight lost during Induction is water weight. As you cut down on carbs, your body will not retain as much water, so the numbers on the scale will go down.
Phase 2
After Induction, you move on to Phase 2, known as the Ongoing Weight-Loss phase. This phase can last as long as you need it to achieve your goal. Because you start adding some carbs back into your diet, weight loss will slow down. Still, Atkins says you should be losing 2 lbs. or more per week. This is still higher than the amount generally recommended.
Phase 3
You move on to Phase 3 once you are 10 lbs. or less from your goal weight. Because you keep adding carbs at this point, your weight loss will slow down even more. Atkins estimates it might take several months for you to reach your goal. Depending on your eating habits, you might lose 1/2 lb. or less per week in Phase 3. If you don't lose anything for two weeks or more, you might need to cut back on your carbs again. Weight loss should slow down but not stop completely in this phase.
Problems with Fast Weight Loss
One concern with fast weight loss is that it's not sustainable. A diet that causes you to lose weight too fast is often restrictive. In the case of Atkins, you give up carbs to lose weight. Although you do bring some back over time, Atkins does remain a low-carb diet, so you'll be eating less than the recommended amount.
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