The Atkins diet plan has been well-researched yet it still is controversial among medical professionals as to its safety in the long term. There is research that has reported that Dr. Atkins' plan was successful in helping patients lose weight and it has even been more successful than other weight loss plans. The Atkins plan shows that in addition to weight loss, overall improvement of cardiovascular markers can be seen in patients who have followed this plan as well.
There are adverse reactions to, and criticism for, the Atkins diet as well. If people do not read and follow the plan correctly they can suffer from constipation, headaches, or stomachaches.
If the plan is not followed correctly then it could cause muscles to be broken down instead of fat and that can cause metabolism and potential bone problems in the future. There are concerns about increased risk of heart disease over time with this type of carbohydrate-restricted diet that continues during the maintenance phase for the rest of a patient’s life.
People that have kidney and liver problems may develop more complications as a result of this diet plan because of high protein intake. The restriction of food choices can be boring for people who are on the diet, and it can be extremely difficult for vegetarians to figure out how to work this diet.
Many people may report that though they were able to lose weight, they later regained the weight once they have concluded the restrictive period because they return to the same habits they had prior to being the plan. In the past Atkins has not stressed exercise or lifestyle changes to help sustainable weight loss.
There are pros and cons of the Atkins diet and each of you must decide if it is right for you. A plan like this can be difficult to follow so I usually consider an approach like this one for a short period of time to support a person’s eagerness to see results. Then I enourage them to begin to make changes in their food lifestyle behavioral changes that will have lasting effects in the longer term, with a plan they can do forever.
Live Vibrantly,
Dr. Dae
Dr. Dae's website: www.healthydaes.com
Dr. Dae's book: Daelicious! Recipes for Vibrant Living can be purchased @ www.healthydaes.com
Sources:
"Comparison of the Atkins, Zone, Ornish, and LEARN Diets for Change in Weight and Related Risk Factors Among Overweight Premenopausal Women, March 7, 2007, Gardner et al. 297 (9): 969 — JAMA ." JAMA, the Journal of the American Medical Association, a weekly peer-reviewed medical journal published by AMA — JAMA . N.p., n.d. Web. 6 Dec. 2011.
http://jama.ama-assn.org/content/297/9/969.full
Course. " Science Behind Atkins." Atkins™ - Official Site - is a powerful life-time approach to successful weight loss and weight management.. N.p., n.d. Web. 6 Dec. 2011.
http://www.atkins.com/Science/ScienceBehindAtkins.aspx
"What Is the Atkins Diet? Expert Review of This Diet Plan." WebMD - Better information. Better health.. N.p., n.d. Web. 6 Dec. 2011. http://www.webmd.com/diet/atkins-diet-what-it-is
Dr. Dae's Bio:
“Dr. Dae" (pronounced Dr. Day) Daemon Jones is a Naturopathic Physician who treats the whole person using safe and effective combinations of traditional and natural methods to produce optimal health and well-being in the lives of her patients.
Reviewed December 8, 2011
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith