Atkins Diet - Does Atkins Diet Work?
Atkins Diet Overview
The Atkins diet is one of the most well-known, yet controversial, diets of recent times. Although the concept behind the diet was developed by Dr. Atkins over 30 years ago, it became hugely popular a few years ago. Unfortunately the death and controversy surrounding Dr. Atkins’ death (he was reportedly overweight at the time of his death) kept the diet in the news, although not for the right reasons. However, there are still many believers of the low carb/ high protein plan on which the diet is based.
The web site is very slickly produced and fairly easy to navigate although it does contain an almost overwhelming amount of information. The four-step program is described in a lot of detail, with each phase linking to the next or to other relevant pages.
The site features many standard sections such as success stories and FAQ’s, plus a link to the Atkins store, where their range of food items and books can be bought. There is a lengthy section describing the ‘science’ behind the Atkins Diet, a community board, and some useful nutritional information such as the Atkins food pyramid, Atkins recommended recipes and acceptable foods for each phase of the diet.
Atkins Diet – Product Description
The Atkins Diet requires the user to follow the four phases of the diet and purchase the Atkins food items. There is no fee required to sign up for the plan; the company makes its money from merchandise. It is basically up to the user to have the will-power and determination to stay with the program, although there is access to the vast Atkins community, where one can chat with other dieters.
The Induction phase of the diet is designed to kick-start weight loss by severely restricting the amount of carbs allowed (20 net carbs per day). On this part of the diet the user can expect to lose about 15lbs in two weeks. The second phase allows some higher carb foods into the diet and determines ones individual carb threshold – the level at which the body loses weight at a slower pace. The last two phases are devoted to maintaining the weight loss and ultimately achieving a diet whereby carbs can be eaten at an amount where no weight is lost or gained.
As mentioned, there is no fee for signing up for the diet although the special low-carb food items are quite costly (a box of 4 shakes costs $6.99, a 5 pack of bars costs $6.29).
Atkins Diet Advantage
- The Atkins Diet is popular and has many followers worldwide
- There is scientific proof that a low-carb diet can cause significant weight loss
- There is no initial registration fee required
- The diet allows for a good amount of calories per day (between 1500-1800 for women)
- The four phases of the diet are well explained
- The diet is designed to ‘jump start’ weight loss
- There is a huge online community available for support and motivation
Atkins Diet Drawbacks
- There are reports to show the high protein/ fat content in the diet can cause health issues such as kidney failure and heart disease
- The Atkins Diet is one of the most controversial diets on the market
- The diet requires the user to have a good amount of will-power and self-motivation
- The diet relies on costly Atkins food products
- The website does not emphasise the importance of exercise
Atkins Diet – The Bottom Line
One of the reasons that Atkins Diet is so popular is due to the fact that dieters can still indulge in what would usually be regarded as ‘forbidden foods’ such as meat, fats and dairy products, although it is this fact that causes health professionals the most concern.
There is no doubt that cutting ‘simple’ carbohydrates (i.e. sugars, pastas, bread) can be beneficial, although it is never a good idea, both physically or mentally, to exclude such large food groups over any length of time.
