A study performed by Eric Westman and published in the "American Journal of Medicine" in 2004 showed that obese patients who stayed on the Atkins diet lost 6 to 12 percent of their body weight over a six-month period. These fast results appeal to those struggling to lose weight, causing many to turn to this very low-carb diet program. Dieters who jump on the bandwagon and achieve quick results often reach a plateau where weight loss slows or stops. When this happens, you must reevaluate your approach to the diet to kick start further weight loss.
Step 1
Reduce your daily caloric intake by 200 calories, as recommended by the Mayo Clinic. Even though the Atkins diet does not focus on counting calories, but rather on counting carbs, you will stop losing weight if you consume more calories than you need.
Step 2
Eat every three to four hours to raise your metabolism and keep your hunger in check. This increases your energy levels and also helps prevent overeating.
Step 3
Check your diet for hidden carbs. You may find them in your condiments, vitamins or beverages. Eliminate these if you find them or count them toward your total carbohydrate count.
Step 4
Cut your carbohydrate intake for a short period, starting with eliminating just 5 to 10 g per day until you start losing again. The Atkins diet allows you to drop down to the induction phase, which limits you to just 20 g of net carbs per day, until you start seeing weight loss again.
Step 5
Add exercise to your daily routine, increasing your exercise time 15 to 30 minutes. This causes you to burn more calories.
Step 6
Ask your doctor about any medications you are on and the effect they may have on your weight. Some medications will stall weight loss, even when you are following the diet precisely. If your doctor indicates that your medications may affect your weight, ask for advice about how to proceed.
Tips and Warnings
- If these steps do not prompt continued weight loss, talk to your doctor or dietitian for advice regarding other strategies you can use.
- Do not allow your total caloric intake to drop below 1,200 calories if you are a woman or 1,500 calories if you are a man, as recommended by the American Council on Exercise. You should only consume fewer than 1,200 or 1,500 calories when directed by a doctor.
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