The Atkins diet, a popular commercial weight-loss plan, promises impressive weight loss in a short period of time. The idea behind Atkins and other low-carb diets is that limiting carbohydrates forces the body to use stored fat for energy instead. The Atkins diet also has an impact on health besides weight loss. Because of the impact of this diet on blood sugar levels, the Atkins diet may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Induction
The Atkins website claims that you can lose up to 15 pounds in the first two weeks of the diet. However, the site does note that weight loss may not be the same for all participants. In general, the most rapid weight loss occurs during the first phase of the diet. This phase typically lasts two weeks and involves a drastic reduction in carbohydrates. The idea behind phase 1 is to convert the body from burning carbohydrates as fuel to burning fat as fuel.
Steady Weight Loss
In the second and third phases of the Atkins diet, weight loss slows to a steady pace. In the second phase, this usually means weight loss of more than 2 lbs. per week, slowing to 1 to 2 lbs. per week as you enter the third phase and add more carbohydrates to your diet. Some people experience weight loss plateaus, during which weight loss stops for up to four weeks before restarting again, despite making no changes to the diet during that time.
Long-Term Considerations
Scientists are still researching whether a low carbohydrate diet plan, such as the Atkins diet, is more or less successful than other diet plans in the long run. Thus far, the results are inconclusive. Because the Atkins diet is highly restrictive with regard to some foods, it may be difficult for dieters to stick with the plan and continue losing weight. Also unknown is whether following the Atkins diet for long periods of time has a negative impact on the kidneys or skeletal structure.
Complications
Losing weight at the rate suggested during the first phase of the Atkins diet may be dangerous for some individuals. If most of the weight lost during this phase is water weight, you could be at risk of dehydration. Rapid weight loss based on the restriction of carbohydrates may also put people on this diet at risk of nutrient deficiencies. Individuals on the first phase of the diet in particular may experience electrolyte imbalances due to sodium loss triggered by slowed insulin production.
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