The Atkins diet is named for Robert C Atkins MD, an Ohio native and cardiologist who achieved fame through the publication of a revolutionary diet book, Dr Atkins' Diet Revolution in 1972. The book was first updated as Dr Atkins' New Diet Revolution, in 1992. Adoption of the Atkins nutritional plan crested in 2003-4 when almost 10% of adults in the US were following the plan. The interest in Dr Atkins' weight loss methods continues today. The latest edition, The New Atkins for the New You, was published in March 2010. This regimen is based on the theory that the body will burn more fat when consumption of carbohydrates is limited.
Several features distinguish the Atkins plan from other diets. Few fad diets have its longevity. There are no caloric limits or portion restrictions. Eating fats and proteins lessens hunger because they take longer to digest and release nutrients slowly. Detractors claim that less food is eaten because of the limited variety of food choices. Atkins is promoted as a diet plan that eliminates hunger because both fat content and volume of food are related to the sensation of feeling full.
The production of ketosis (a chemical change in the body caused by using fats for fuel rather than carbohydrates) is the essential first step in a multiphase plan.The first phase has greatest limit in carbohydrate content, 20g net carbs/day, and food variety. You calculate "net" carbs by subtracting fiber from total carbs. Another unique feature of Atkins is that there is no universal target carb content after phase one. It is one of the few diet plans to assume that people may not respond the same way to a program. Instead the ideal Carb Content Level for weight Loss (CLLL is phase 3) and the Carb Content Level for weight Maintenance (CLLM is phase 4) are determined for each individual but are rarely greater than 40 g/day.
Since the Atkins nutritional plan has been around for almost 4 decades, there has been ample time to generate both medical research data and controversy. A brief review of the medical perspective can be found at www.webmd.com/diet/atkins-diet-what-it-is . Critics cite nutritional deficiencies and potential problems with cardiovascular, brain and kidney function. Research has not confirmed any of these allegations. It is quite possible that any damage from the Atkins diet is well compensated by the weight loss to yield a net gain in wellness.
Like any weight loss plan, the Atkins diet requires a sustained change in lifestyle. Exercise is a recommended addition to the carb control. While there is plenty of evidence for the efficacy of the Atkins diet, adherence longterm is difficult for many. Eating out, whether at a restaurant or homes of friends and family, can be a challenge. The typical American meal is quite different from Atkins. Most comfort foods are carb rich and very appealing. Sugar and sugar addiction are prevalent.
So how do you decide if Atkins' is the right low carb plan for you? The official Atkins site www.atkins.com/Program/ProgramOverview.aspx has loads of detailed information. They are currently advertising a free quick start weight loss kit with 3 free Atkins snack bars.There are plenty of resources to assist in the decision including carb counters, Atkins recipe books, overviews of the diet by other authors, communities, blogs and even PubMed. But beware, you may find more conflicting information than you predict.
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