My local news station reported that a study was done by JAMA (journal american medical assoc), that the Atkins diet when followed correctly, was an effective way to loose weight when compared to the Zone and other very low carb diets. It had better results on average and did not effect cholesterol as often worried. It is thought that it is effective because it is easy to follow! The study was done on young and middle aged women.

gina

I personally am against following Atkins strictly and for long periods of time: My father in law developed high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and ended up dying of a heart attack after following Atkins for several years, even after the weight was primarily off. I want to caution people on staying on this type of diet for extended periods of time. The body needs carbs as fuel, it cannot live only on fats and proteins. I learned from a nutrition class in college (which had many studies to back it up) that the body starts to attack itself. For those of you on this, I am not trying to be negative. I am just concerned and don't want this to happen to anyone else. Please don't use Atkins as a lifestyle, just only as a diet.

We can debate the good vs. bad of Atkins. People have a right to their opinion.

My opinion: I can eat the correct Atkins way (which my meal is mainly veggies and not over-done on fats). Or I can eat "normal" which has starches, fats, junk food, etc. I'd rather eat the way that makes me feel healthy (Atkins) than eat the way that gives me gas and makes me feel bloated ("Normal"). To me Atkins wins hands down.

This is NOT the atkins diet!! If that is what your father in law was eating, then yes he would have a problem.

...and please, dont come here and tell us what and how to eat when it is very clear you have not read the book. Because if you had read it, you would see that is actually a very well balanced diet when done right.

yes they sure do.......nothing like a good ole atkins debate right before I go to bed to get me all riled up

I used Atkins for over a yr. and a half and lost over 90 lbs. and am in better health now than I have been in last 15 yrs. I don't regret it at all. It took the weight off, lowered my blood sugar, lowered my cholesterol and lowered my enormously high blood pressure. I'm now on fewer med's than ever and feel just great. Since my hepatologist recommended this lifestyle for me, I felt that he was completely knowledgeable and right in his recommendation.

Thank you for your concern, but we are each adults and are completely entitled to do what is Right for us individually.

Thank you for your opinion. You are certainly entitled to it, however...my question to you is, have YOU read Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution? From your comment "The body needs carbs as fuel, it cannot live only on fats and proteins"...my guess would be you have not read the book. Atkins is a LOW carb plan...it is NOT a NO carb plan. People doing Atkins correctly eat plenty of salad & vegetables from day 1. In the progressive stages of Atkins fruit is added. Atkins does not consist of sitting and consuming pounds of bacon & butter as people tend to believe.

I have lost over 100 lbs on this plan. I am on Atkins nearly 3 years and I will continue to eat this way for the rest of my life. Eating salad & vegetables is MUCH healthier than eating the chips & sugary desserts I used to eat! I'll tell you what is NOT healthy....being 245 lbs!!!

I am very sorry about your Father in law but, I am here to tell you, Atkins...when done CORRECTLY...works!!

Thanks for your opinion.

All the best to you!!

Kim