Atkins Diet, Low-Carbohydrate Diets

First published by Dr. Robert Atkins in 1972, the Atkins Diet is the most popular and best studied of the low-carbohydrate and non-calorie-restricted diets. It is also the diet that is most commonly modeled in studies of low-carbohydrate diets. The diet consists of a four-phase plan with an induction period marked by severe limitation of dietary carbohydrates (less than 20 g/day). The following phases also restrict carbohydrates, with the addition of 5–10 net carbohydrates/grams per week, utilizing weight change or lack of urine ketosis as a marker for overindulgence of carbohydrates.

Dieters who desire further weight loss are encouraged to move back to earlier stages and increase carbohydrate restriction. Of note, this diet does not have any caloric restrictions or portion restrictions. Earlier versions of the diet encouraged liberal intake of foods high in saturated fat. The most recent iteration of Atkins diet does incorporate recommendations for increased fat intake from healthier sources such as fish and olive oil.

The largest concerns regarding Atkins diet have focused on a potential increase in dietary cholesterol and saturated fat with a concomitant reduction of fruits and vegetables with the imposition of severe carbohydrate restriction. These restrictions may lead to an increase in cardiovascular and cancer risks. Until recently, these concerns had not been addressed in the scientific literature.

Until 2003, there were very few randomized controlled studies evaluating the effectiveness of high-fat/low-carbohydrate diets (Atkins Diet) in causing and maintaining weight loss. Many of the studies that have been published since that time have included lipid levels as primary or secondary endpoints. All the studies involved were confounded by poor compliance, with most reporting attrition rates of 20% to 40% in the treatment and control groups. It should be noted that most weight loss studies involving other diets and community-based (nonhospitalized) patients have similar high attrition rates.

Tagged : carbohydrate, diet