Critics of the Atkins diet have always questioned the validity of health. When Dr Atkins was called before a Senate committee headed by George McGovern, he was forced to admit that pregnant women following his low carb diet would suffer fetal damage to their unborn babies.
Studies have shown that for a long term , Atkins dieters do not lose weight more quickly, or not to take more over a twelve-month period compared to people following other diets. The initial weight loss is mostly fluid , not fat as is often claimed .
And while the high levels of protein and fat , and an extremely low level of carbohydrates , appeals to the tastes of some people, for most , it is unappetizing and does not produce a feeling of well -being. As such , it becomes difficult to follow for long periods . However, it is sold as a " lifestyle " rather than a diet.
Worse still, the issues raised by the death of Atkins, and his state of heart health as revealed by the medical report after his death seemed to give credence to his detractors.
Officially, Atkins died from slipping on an icy road near his office . But his medical report revealed that he had a history of heart attacks , hypertension and congestive heart failure . His wife explained the heart problems due to a virus they both contracted in Turkey.
Whether or not this is true, other evidence has since emerged that indicates Atkins diet is not good for the heart after all.
A recent study from Oxford University followed 19 people over a period of two weeks. When they followed a diet rich in fat and low in carbohydrates, it was found that the energy stored in their heart was reduced by an average of 16%. In some people, this reduction was as high as 30%. In addition, while they were on this diet , the heart of these people were unable to relax easily. These changes returned to normal two weeks later, they returned to a normal diet .
Jody Goran 's experience was worse . At 50 years old he tried the Atkins diet and lost weight. He stayed on it for two years, but in October 2003 he started having chest pains . He went to the doctor right away, and they found that one of his main arteries was 99% blocked . It was not far from having a heart attack and had to undergo surgery immediately .
However, six months before , he had started the Atkins diet, his check up revealed a heart healthy. He had blocked arteries clean , and a 96% chance he would not have a heart attack over the next five years . After following the Atkins diet for 2 years, not only was one of his main arteries blocked 99% , but his cholesterol had increased from 146 to 215. Immediately after angioplasty , his cholesterol levels dropped to 209. But it was not until he interrupted his power completely cholesterol back to 146.
According to a report in the Weekend Australian Magazine , Atkins even acknowledged that in less than 30% of dieters , high levels of "bad" cholesterol can cause serious heart problems. The same article states that in others 'bad' cholesterol levels go down, but 30% is a significant number . And there are other healthier ways to lower cholesterol .
Overall, the issues and potentially serious side effects , apart from bad breath and constipation , make it a highly questionable approach for long-term weight control .
references :
1 . Australian magazine of healthy eating , April 2006
2 . The Weekend Australian Magazine , March 11-12 , 2006
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