Diet, Atkins?

Related Terms

Atkins, Atkins diet, Atkins nutritional approach, Atkins Nutritionals, Inc. (ANI), Calories Don't Count, diet, Eco-Atkins diet, fad diet, glycemic index, high-fat diet, high-protein diet, ketogenic diet, low-carb diet, low-carbohydrate diet, low-starch diet, Robert Atkins, South beach diet?, The Drinking Man's Diet, very-low-carbohydrate diet, W. Banting's diet.
Not included in this review: Other high-fat diets, high-protein diets, low-carbohydrate diets (general), and the ketogenic diet.
Note: Only clinical trials investigating the effect of the Atkins Diet? itself will be discussed in the evidence section. Although the Atkins Diet? is considered a low-carbohydrate, high-protein, and high-fat diet, clinical trials investigating modification in macronutrients will be used to explain the potential mechanisms of action of the Atkins Diet?.

Background

The Atkins Diet? is an eating style that supports an increased consumption of fats as the primary source of energy, while restricting carbohydrate intake. This is based on the idea that eating carbohydrate-rich foods like bread, cereal, potatoes, or pasta results in increased fat stores.
Experts have found potential long-term health risks associated with the diet, including type 2 diabetes and kidney problems. The safety and long-term effectiveness of the Atkins Diet? is a subject of debate in the medical community.
The role of the Atkins Diet? in reducing long-term obesity and its effects on other medical conditions need further investigation. However, short-term use of the Atkins Diet? does appear to result in weight loss in clinical trials.

Theory

The Atkins Diet? is a four-step dietary plan originally described in the 1972 book "Dr. Atkins' Diet Revolution." In 1992, a revised edition entitled "Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution" was published. Designed for weight reduction, the Atkins Diet? is a low-carbohydrate diet with unrestricted calorie intake from protein and fat. The diet is supplemented by significant amounts of vitamins, minerals, and other nutritional agents.
There are four stages of the program: induction, ongoing weight loss, premaintenance, and maintenance.
Induction phase: The diet initially excludes all carbohydrates. During the induction phase, a gradual increase of carbohydrates is permitted to a maximum of 20 grams of carbohydrates daily. The diet consists of nearly unlimited meats, poultry, seafood, eggs, cheeses, oils, butter, margarine, bacon, and sausages. The 20-gram carbohydrate limit comes from trace amounts in sauces, dressings, cheeses, and a few cups of lettuce, greens, or vegetables consumed daily. During the two weeks of the induction phase, participants cannot have milk, fruits, grains, cereals, breads, or "high glycemic index" vegetables such as potatoes, peas, corn, or carrots. Thereafter, depending on the individual and the stage of the diet, an increase to no more than 90 grams of carbohydrates daily is permitted.
Ongoing weight loss phase: Dieters begin adding about five grams of carbohydrates daily to their diet weekly. This phase continues until the dieter is within 10 pounds of the target weight.
Premaintenance phase: At this stage, dieters typically want to lose 5-10 more pounds and may increase carbohydrate intake by 10 grams daily for a week at a time.
Maintenance phase: Generally, dieters consume no more than 90 grams of carbohydrates daily in the maintenance phase.
In general, throughout the diet, unrestricted intakes of protein and fat are permitted, caloric intake is not restricted, and vitamin and mineral supplementation is recommended. Seafood and poultry are recommended. A regular exercise plan is recommended.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


A carbohydrate-restricted diet has been shown to result in weight loss in obese and nonobese people. Shorter time periods may result in more significant effects. Overall, studies suggest that the Atkins Diet? does result in long-term weight loss.

 B


A carbohydrate-restricted diet has been shown to result in weight loss in obese and nonobese people. Shorter time periods may result in more significant effects. Overall, studies suggest that the Atkins Diet? does result in long-term weight loss.

 B


Carbohydrate-restricted diets have been shown to benefit insulin levels in both diabetics and nondiabetics. Preliminary evidence suggests that the Atkins Diet? may improve metabolism in insulin-resistant women. Long-term safety studies are still required in this field before conclusions can be made.

 C


Carbohydrate-restricted diets have been shown to benefit insulin levels in both diabetics and nondiabetics. Preliminary evidence suggests that the Atkins Diet? may improve metabolism in insulin-resistant women. Long-term safety studies are still required in this field before conclusions can be made.

 C


One study reviewed the effectiveness of the Atkins Diet? in treating epilepsy. Preliminary evidence suggests that seizure frequency may be reduced in some people. More studies are required before conclusions can be made.

 C


One study reviewed the effectiveness of the Atkins Diet? in treating epilepsy. Preliminary evidence suggests that seizure frequency may be reduced in some people. More studies are required before conclusions can be made.

 C


According to one study, significant differences in blood pressure were lacking when the Atkins Diet? was compared with a high-carbohydrate, low-fat, low-calorie conventional diet in obese or overweight men and women. Additional studies are needed before a conclusion can be made.

 C


According to one study, significant differences in blood pressure were lacking when the Atkins Diet? was compared with a high-carbohydrate, low-fat, low-calorie conventional diet in obese or overweight men and women. Additional studies are needed before a conclusion can be made.

 C


One study found that the Atkins Diet? may be linked to greater weight loss and improvements in cholesterol levels compared to other diets. More studies are needed before conclusions can be made.

 C


One study found that the Atkins Diet? may be linked to greater weight loss and improvements in cholesterol levels compared to other diets. More studies are needed before conclusions can be made.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Safety

Many complementary techniques are practiced by healthcare professionals with formal training, in accordance with the standards of national organizations. However, this is not universally the case, and adverse effects are possible. Due to limited research, in some cases only limited safety information is available.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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