The Atkins diet soared in popularity when it was first published partly because of its inclusion of the foods other diets had maligned, including red meat. It also offered a structured approach to people needing guidance. The latest edition of the diet, "The New Atkins for a New You," made the New York Times best-seller list in 2010, attesting to the diet's continued fame.
Research and Book
Atkins had a strong background in science, with degrees from the University of Michigan and Cornell University Medical School. His interest in cardiology and his own issues with weight provided the basis for his research into diet and its health effects. He went into private practice in 1960. In 1972, he published his landmark book, "Dr. Atkins' Diet Revolution." Subsequent editions followed in 1992 and 1999. After his death in 2003, Dr. Eric Westman, Dr. Stephen Phinney and Jeff S. Volek updated the diet approach with the publication of their book, "The New Atkins for a New You."
Atkins Nutritional Approach
The original Atkins diet known as the Atkins Nutritional Approach included a clear set of dietary guidelines from induction into the diet to lifetime maintenance. The diet emphasizes a low-carb approach to eating. During the induction phase, dieters reduce their carbohydrate intake to 20 g of carbs. The reduction in carbohydrates causes the body to use a process called ketosis for energy. Rather than metabolizing sugar, the body breaks down fat. At the time and even today, the diet is viewed with some skepticism because of its contrary approach to healthful eating.
Early Evidence and Reactions
With the diet's popularity soaring, the scientific world began research into its efficacy. A 2001 study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture concluded that any diet that restricted caloric intake could help an individual lose weight. Evidence suggested other factors such as water loss may have been behind the weight loss claims. Other concerns surrounded the high fat intake. The American Heart Association stresses a low-fat diet in order to control high blood pressure. The American Diabetes Association also came out against the diet.& #2)
Supporting Evidence
The evidence regarding the Atkins diet has come full circle. Growing evidence is coming out in support of the diet as part of a healthy lifestyle. A 2009 study by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York found that following a low-carb diet improved blood sugar control and levels of good cholesterol. Similarly, a 2010 study by the Nestlé Research Centre in Switzerland found that the diet improved cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure. As the Atkins Nutritionals Inc. points out, mounting evidence influenced the American Diabetes Association to reverse its original standing on the diet.
References
- Atkins: The New Atkins Diet
- TheHistoryOf: The History of the Atkins Diet -- A Revolutionary Lifestyle!
- "Dr. Atkin's Diet Revolution"; R. Atkins; 1981
- "Obesity Research"; Popular Diets: A Scientific Review; M. Freedman, et al.; March 2001
- "Nutrition"; Carbohydrate for Weight and Metabolic Control: where Do We Stand?; K. Acheson; February 2010
- "Current Diabetes Report"; Low-Carbohydrate Diets: An Update on Current Research; J. Wylie-Rosett and N. Davis; October 2009
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