What do doctors say about the Atkins Diet?

Question

Just wondering what respected doctors and scientists say about the Atkins Diet. Please leave proof and references of the quotes.

Answer 1

It's difficult to get a consensus on what doctors are saying. But for the most part the induction phase of the diet can be used for those that are "morbidly obese" - I know the term sounds terrible. For these people, they've weighted the risks and benefits of the diet...the risks being if very significant weight is not dropped soon the person could be in worst danger than without the diet. Unfortunately, the diet can be very successful when done properly. I say unfortunately because we don't know the long term effects and it teaches us to eat improperly. It's not reasonable to eat a diet of high meat and dairy (saturated fat, nitrates, too much protein not enough vitamins and minerals) and be healthy long term. The risk of heart disease, kidney problems and possible gout lesion (from the high protein), to name a few, are just too high. I'd recommend a diet of mostly vegetables and fruit, 1 serving of meat/fish/chicken or egg with each meal and significantly cutting back on the "refined flour products" and eliminating simple sugars. Most people lose significant weight on this simple and practical diet. I hope this helps. Best of luck to you!

Answer 2

Most health authorities condemn the Atkins diet as they regard it as the perfect recipe for a heart attack or a stroke because it is a high animal protein diet.  Although I have seen such comments by health authorities on the Internet unfortunately I cannot quote any references to verify my comments.

Other comments that I have seen on the Internet suggest that the Atkins diet is OK but then that is normal as often there are conflicting statements on a lot of health issues.  Even health authorities often disagree with each other.