The Atkins Diet is a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet created by Dr. Robert Atkins in the 1970s. The diet operates on the premise that eating mostly protein and fats--including rich foods, such as eggs, cheese and red meat--causes the body to use its own fat as a fuel source. "The All-New Atkins Advantage," published in 2007, is an updated version of the old Atkins standard, permitting dieters to eat slightly more carbohydrates than they did in the original diet--and it also encourages exercise. Yet the American Dietetic Association and the American Heart Association warn aspiring weight-shedders that the effects of the Atkins Diet and other high-protein, low-carb diets aren't always pleasant--or healthy.
Constipation
Lack of fiber in your diet can cause constipation, cautions the Weight Control Information Network. The Atkins Diet is not big on dietary fiber, from foods such as fruit, vegetables and whole grains--foods that keep the bowels regular.
Halitosis
Bad breath is a common adverse effect of the Atkins Diet, says integrative physician Dr. Andrew Weil, who explains that because the body burns fat--as opposed to carbohydrates--"ketones" are released in the urine and the breath. Weill, who does not recommend high-protein, low-carbohydrate diets, indicates that no amount of brushing, flossing or tongue-scraping can prevent the halitosis caused by the Atkin's Diet.
Heart Disease and Other Diseases
The American Dietetic Association labels Atkins' claim that consuming natural and saturated fats is essential to a healthy body as "misleading." Eating too much saturated fat increases the risk of heart disease. The American Heart Association adds that consuming too much saturated fat can also cause diabetes, stroke and numerous types of cancer. Additionally, some dieters may not be able to process the hefty load of protein in the Atkins Diet, putting themselves at risk for kidney or liver disorders or osteoporosis.
Smoke and Mirrors?
Critics of the Atkins Diet suggest that dieters lose weight simply because they have fewer calories to burn. A January 2004 report on BBC News surmised that the heavy proteins in the Atkins Diet curbed hunger, so dieters refrained from eating as much as they normally would. This is supported by a study conducted by the North American Association for the Study of Obesity cited by The Diet Channel which indicated that dieters cut their daily caloric intake by a walloping 1,000 calories while following the Atkins plan, eating on average 1,500 calories a day.
Hard to Maintain
The Atkins Diet is a fad diet, and fads are hard to maintain for the long haul. The Weight Control Information Network points out that while the Atkins may work for some dieters in the short term, diets that restrict certain foods--or cut them out entirely--are difficult to adhere to indefinitely. Boredom sets in as dieters become weary with the same limited daily food choices. Instead, the ADA recommends a plant-based diet that includes an abundance of whole grains, fruits and vegetables and very low cholesterol and saturated and trans fats.
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