High Protein, Low Carbohydrate Diets (Atkins diet)

High protein, low carbohydrate diets have been widely promoted in recent years as an effective approach to losing weight.

These diets generally recommend dieters receive 30% to 50% of their total calories from protein. By comparison, the American Heart Association, the National Cholesterol Education Program and the American Cancer Society all recommend a diet in which only 10% to 15% of calories are derived from protein (nutrients essential to the building, maintenance and repair of tissues in the body).

The Atkins diet is an example of a high protein, low carbohydrate diet.

Is the This Diet Right for Me?
These theories of weight loss remain unproven, and most experts are concerned that high-protein, low carb diets can cause a host of problems, particularly for the large segment of the population that is at risk for heart disease. What's more, the plan doesn't permit a high intake of fruits and vegetables, recommended by most nutrition experts because of the numerous documented health benefits from these foods.

The experts say to achieve permanent weight loss you must change your lifestyle. This means following a lower calorie diet that includes grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables combined with participating in regular physical activity.
Before starting this or any diet, be sure to talk with your doctor to determine what approach is right for you.

Participants lost weight an average of 21 pounds lost over four months.

For years, Dr. Atkins' detractors have challenged him to back up his claims with clinical research. Perhaps they should be careful of what they wish for. The results of the first clinical trial to test the efficacy of the Atkins Nutritional Approach™ are in, and the naysayers may have to sing another tune.

In February, Eric C. Westman, M.D., M.H.S., assistant professor of medicine at Duke University and principal investigator of the trial, presented the first research in Canada.(1) The prospective study, conducted at the Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, aimed to evaluate the weight-loss effects of a controlled carbohydrate plan combined with nutritional supplementation.

Forty-one healthy, mildly obese male and female volunteers aged 18 to 65 completed the program. All were 20% to 50% above ideal body weight, had not followed another weight-loss program in the previous six months and were not taking any medication. All participants had previously tried to lose weight on other diets.

Volunteers received diet instruction, nutritional supplements and group counseling. Most of the subjects followed the induction phase of the Atkins program for the entire six-month period. They also consumed Atkins Nutritionals supplements on a daily basis, including Basic #3 Formula, Essential Oils, and Dieters' Advantage. During the course of the study, blood pressure, heart rate, weight, waist size, percentage of body fat and urinary ketone level were among the measurements taken. Liver and kidney function were also monitored. Blood tests were conducted before starting the study, and again at weeks 8, 16 and 24.

All participants lost weight after 16 weeks, averaging an overall loss of approximately 1 to 3 pounds per week, leading to an average of 21 pounds lost over four months. There was also a significant 6.1% average drop in total cholestrol, a 39.9% average reduction in triglycerides, an 18.9% improvement in cholesterol/HDL ratio and a 7.2% average increase in HDL ("good" cholesterol). The study is presently being reviewed for publication.

Conclusions Confirmed
For decades, dieters have provided anecdotal evidence about the effectiveness of the Atkins program. In February, Colette Heimowitz, M.S., director of nutrition and research at The Atkins Center, confirmed those reports when she unveiled a retrospective study based on 319 overweight or obese patients treated at The Center for at least a year. Results also corroborated those found by the independent Durham study. Patients lost an average of 17 lbs. "Most importantly, the study showed dramatic increases in HDL, the good cholesterol," says Heimowitz. "That's remarkable and could represent a breakthrough in cholesterol treatment. No one has been able to get HDL to increase on any low-fat diet, the American Heart Association diet or the government-endorsed food pyramid. We now have data for the scientific community on the healthful benefits of the Atkins Nutritional Approach."

Adequate carbohydrates. At least 100 grams of carbohydrates per day are needed to prevent fatigue and dangerous fluid imbalances. To make sure you get enough carbohydrates, eat 6-11 servings from the Bread, Cereal, Rice, and Pasta Group on the Food Guide Pyramid every day.