The Atkins Diet encourages eating fewer than 20g of carbohydrates daily during the initial phase, and continuing to limit carbohydrates until you reach your goal weight. The diet emphasizes eating high-fat and high-protein foods while restricting fruits, breads, cereals, most dairy products and vegetables--except for small green salads. The theory is that people gain weight by the way the body deals with carbohydrates, as explained by Better Health USA. The Atkins Diet can be effective, but has some disadvantages.
Side Effects
A sudden drop in carbohydrate intake can lead to side effects, according to Better Health USA. Common side effects during the first few days include bad breath, dizziness, faintness, headaches and nausea. These side effects are associated with ketosis, a condition in which the body breaks down stores of fat for energy because of a lack of dietary sugar.
Nutritional Deficiency
Because the Atkins Diet limits many healthy foods, it does not provide a sufficient amount of some essential vitamins and minerals. Whole grains, fruits and vegetables are important sources of antioxidants from phytochemicals, as noted by research published in a 2000 issue of the "Journal of the American College of Nutrition" (JACN). Eating large amounts of these foods is associated with a significant decrease in the risk for cancer and coronary heart disease, a constriction of the small blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the heart.
High in Saturated Fats
The Atkins Diet encourages high consumption of saturated fats, and protein content is nearly double the recommended daily allowance (RDA), according to the 2000 "JACN" article. High consumption of animal protein is linked to greater risks for coronary heart disease and cancer. The "JACN" article cites a study of changes in blood cholesterol levels in people after four weeks on the Atkins Diet. Despite a weight loss of about 9 lbs., total cholesterol increased. Long-term use of the Atkins Diet could raise blood cholesterol by 25 percent.
Lack of Fiber
The Atkins Diet is low in fiber. This can lead to constipation, particularly in the initial phase. High fiber intake, especially from whole grains, appears to decrease the risk of developing coronary heart disease and diabetes, according to the "JACN" research.
Diabetes Risk
High-fat diets such as the Atkins Diet are associated with insulin resistance that results in type 2 diabetes, according to the "JACN" study. In contrast, diets low in fat and high in carbohydrates and fiber appear to decrease insulin resistance.
Difficulty
Another con of the Atkins Diet is it may be difficult to follow, especially for people who love carbohydrate-rich foods. The initial phases of the diet are particularly restrictive. Additionally, because the diet focuses on protein from meat, poultry and fish, it has limited food choices for vegetarians.
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