For more than 20 years, dieters in Europe have followed the eating plan created by French physician Pierre Dukan. In April 2011, Dukan will introduce Americans to his four-phase approach in his book "The Dukan Diet." The diet is similar to other protein-centric diets, like Atkins, Ornish and the Zone. Understanding the background, approach and research related to the Dukan diet is important if you are concerned about your heart health.
Background
Dukan, a neurologist, introduced France to his lifestyle plan in 2000 in a book which has sold more than 5 million copies and been translated into 10 different languages. He created the plant to help people avoid poor health outcomes associated with obesity. Commenting in an interview published in the March 16, 2011 issue of "The New York Times," Dukan claims his approach is "built on the shoulders of Weight Watchers and Atkins diets." However, he does not agree with calorie counting, portion control and unlimited fat consumption methods used by these programs. Instead, Dukan promotes unlimited lean protein and very low-carbohydrate menus.
Four Phases
The diet is divided into the Attack, Cruise, Consolidation and Stabilization phases. During the Attack Phase, you eat unlimited amounts of lean meats, fish, poultry, soy, eggs and nonfat dairy products for 10 days, along with 1 1/2 tbsp. of oat bran and 6.3 cups of water. In the Cruise Phase, you add unlimited nonstarchy vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, celery and cucumbers. You increase oat bran to 2 tbsp. per day. You remain in this phase, based on a period of three days for every 1 lb. of weight loss planned. The Consolidation Phase incorporates one piece of low-sugar fruit, such as an apple, two slices of whole-grain bread, hard cheese and one or two servings of starchy foods. Once or twice a week you can have a "celebration" meal, with any food item. You continue the Consolidation Phase for five days for every 1 lb. of weight lost during the Cruise Phase. Dukan promises no weight regain if you maintain the last phase, Stabilization, indefinitely. You eat according to the Attack Phase one day a week and increase oat bran to 3 tbsp.daily. Exercise during all phases is a moderate-paced 20-minute walk each day.
Cholesterol Effects
Research on how the Dukan diet effects blood cholesterol levels is lacking. However, Christopher Garner and colleagues at Stanford University Medical School compared the effects of four similar low-carbohydrate, high-protein diets with respect to weight loss and cardiovascular risk factors in premenopausal women over a one-year period. The report, in the March 2007 issue of the "Journal of the American Medical Association," found women who followed the Atkins plan of 20 g carbohydrate experienced greater weight loss than the higher carbohydrate approaches of the Zone, Ornish and Learn diets. Additionally, no adverse effects on "bad" cholesterol or low-density lipoprotein were noted. A more recent randomized clinical trial of low-carbohydrate, high-protein diets published in the September 2009 issue of the "Journal of Diabetes" found diets containing less than 40 g carbohydrate improved LDL cholesterol levels after three months but remained unchanged at nine months. Both research groups feel further investigations are needed on the long-term effects of these types of diets.
Considerations
The British Dietetic Association ranked the Dukan diet among the five worst diets of 2011. The group does not recommend the diet for individuals with a history of gout, high blood cholesterol or kidney disease. In addition, followers of the Dukan diet may experience gallstones, bad breath, constipation, dry mouth and fatigue. Before attempting to lose weight, consult your physician and a registered dietitian for guidance related to your specific health concerns.
References
- "The New York Times"; Warmed-Over Atkins? Don't tell the French; Elaine Sciolino; March 2011
- DukanDiet.com
- "Journal of the American Medical Association"; Comparison of Atkins, Zone, Ornish and Learn Diets for Change in Weight and Related Risk Factors; Christopher D. Garner PhD., et al.; March 2007
- "Journal of Diabetes"; Randomized Clinical Trial of Standard Dietary Treatment Vs. Low-carbohydrate, High Protein Diet .... for Management of Obesity; Catherine Rolland, PhD. et al; September 2009
- British Dietetic Association; Top 5 Worst Celebrity Diets to Avoid in 2011; December 2010
