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An Introduction to The Atkins Diet
Part 2

Facts You Should Know

  • Although the very popular book Atkins' plan is presented in is called Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution, the diet isn't new at all. Atkins published his ketogenic diet plan in the early 70's. According to "The Atkins Diet - Is it for Real?" Atkins was called to testify in front of the senate about his diet in 1973 after the American Medical Association questioned the plan's safety.

  • A plus of The Atkins Diet is that exercise is recommended. Any diet that doesn't include exercise in its recommendations will probably not be effective and does not encourage health lifestyle change.

  • After you have lost weight, you can't go back to eating carbs with abandon. Dr. Atkins virtually promises that anyone who returns to over-eating high-carb foods like pizza or desserts will gain back all weight they lost on the plan.

  • Some nutritionists (Hemmelgarn) and health experts contend that ketosis results in too-rapid, unhealthy levels of weight loss and that the loss consists of lean body mass and water.

  • Regardless of which diet you go on, whether it be Atkins or Weight Watchers, diet experts agree that it is calorie reduction (not types of food eaten or not eaten) that results in weight loss.

  • People who suffer from gout, kidney conditions, type I diabetes or pregnant women should not go on Atkins (Warrick).

The Bottom Line
Remember, you should never start a diet without first talking to your doctor. This is especially true with a diet like Atkins because it is so stringent and is most likely a very significant change from your normal eating habits. Additionally, some research has indicated that this type of diet may endanger the kidneys, result in dehydration, or lead to other health problems. Ask for an alternate diet if your doctor dissuades you from trying Atkins.

It's very difficult to lose the "diet mentality" and it's very easy to hope for and seek out a "quick fix"; since weight loss occurs so rapidly on Atkins, this diet seems like one. However, if you want your results to be long-term you need to ask yourself an important question: Are you committed to limiting your carbs for good? If not, then this plan probably isn't for you, because even as Atkins himself states, returning to your previous eating habits will bring the weight back.

If you find that Atkins is not for you, you may be averse to the type of foods you are eating. That's fine -- some people simply can't tolerate eating a certain type of foods, and others feel deprived if their favorites are eliminated. If you don't feel happy and satisfied with a particular plan, it's time to find an alternative.

If you prefer to include a fair amount of carbs in your diet, a low-fat diet like the one recommended by The Food Guide Pyramid or the eating plan encouraged by Weight Watchers may be better-suited for your preferences. Keep trying and you will find the way that works for you!

You can learn more about Atkins at our Atkins Subject Page.

Sources:

As with all of the other information on this site, this article is for informational purposes and should not be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional before significantly modifying your diet or beginning an exercise program.

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