Atkins Promises Quick Weight Loss Without Hunger, But Is It Safe?
The high protein Atkins diet might lead to weight loss in the short term, but not enough is known to recommend its long-term use, according to an editorial in the current issue of the Medical Journal of Australia.
Associate Professor Malcolm Riley, from Monash University in Melbourne and Associate Professor John Coveney, Coordinator of Graduate Studies in Primary Health Care at Flinders University in Adelaide say the Atkins diet is popular because it promises quick weight loss without hunger, allows a wide range of foods and has simple 'rules'.
The four-stage diet seeks to reduce insulin production by limiting the total intake of carbohydrate, and in particular the intake of refined carbohydrates such as simple sugars. High levels of insulin are said to cause uncontrolled hunger and eating. Too much insulin also encourages the body to store fat.
Sugar, alcohol, fruit, grains, starchy vegetables and dairy products, other than cheese, cream and butter are eliminated during the first phase of the program, which lasts for a minimum of two weeks. Weight loss is rapid. Fewer calories are consumed because of restricted food choices and possibly because people on a high protein diet don't feel as hungry. More foods are added over time until the final, maintenance phase, which recommends a relatively low total daily carbohydrate intake.
The authors say the diet works if short term weight loss is your goal. Recent trials show that over a six-month period, people on a low carbohydrate diet lost more weight than people on a low fat diet, but over a 12 month period there was little difference between the two diets.
The low carbohydrate diet appears to be safe for up to twelve months with no apparent adverse affects on cardiovascular risk factors or blood pressure. But bad breath, headaches and constipation are more likely on this diet.
The success of the Atkins diet for weight loss and its impact on health are largely unknown beyond 12 months. The diet is difficult to stick to, and is very different to the average Australian food intake. The authors say the diet could have an adverse affect on cardiovascular disease, kidney function and bone health.
"Information is also lacking on the long term effect of a low carbohydrate regimen for the young, the elderly, people of normal weight and those with chronic conditions such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease," says Associate Professor Riley.
"A sensible way to follow the Atkins diet is to include plenty of the allowed fruits and vegetables, and to prefer food sources of unsaturated fat over those with saturated fat," he says.
The Medical Journal of Australia is a publication of the Australian Medical Association.
CONTACT Associate Professor Malcolm RILEY 0431 644703 / 03 9594 5511
Judith TOKLEY, AMA Public Affairs, 0408 824 306 / 02 6270 5471