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Study proves success of Atkins diet
Rex Features
It was the biggest diet phenomenon of the early noughties with stars from Jennifer Aniston to Geri Haliwell following the Atkins diet and now it seems the low-carb, high protein weight loss plan is making a comeback.
A new study has proved that the controversial Atkins diet - which at its peak saw around three million Britons follow its mantra - is just as effective at losing weight as a conventional low-fat diet.
Overweight volunteers who stuck to the low-carb regime, renowned for its high consumption of red meat, shed more pounds on the Atkins than they did on a standard calorie-controlled diet.
Scientists said a Mediterranean diet incorporating vegetables, fibre, white meat and fish was also just as effective and safe.
Lead researcher, Dr Iris Shai, made the point that different diet plans suit different individuals: 'There is not one diet that is ideal for everyone. We believe that this study will open clinical medicine to considering low-carb and Mediterranean diets as safe, effective alternatives for patients, based on personal preference and the medical goals set out for such intervention.
Devised by US heart doctor, Robert Atkins, the Atkins diet lost appeal following fears it could heighten the risk of heart disease and kidney problems.
Thursday 17 July 2008
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Not for someone with mental health problems as the lack of serotonin can really worsen anxiety, OCD, phobias, depression, in my case psychotic depression etc. Also makes you a chronic insomniac if you are the type that can't sleep more than three or four hours when you eat less (even 1500-1700 calories) anyway. I actually didn't sleep for four days on this - not even for half an hour. So I had to give up. Not so easy for everyone.
Comment by Cate G on July 26 18:00
I did the atkins diet and lost 4st in 4 months. I found it very easy and have maintained my weight now for 5 years.
I think if you are sensible about low carbs it is a very healthy diet. Can I also stress I did not do the high fat side of this as I don't feel that would be very good for my health.
Comment by Shona Robertson on July 17 12:52
I followed the Atkins diet for about 9 months - not very strictly as I did still drink booze! I found it fantastic for my sporting activity as I had much longer lasting energy, plus I lost about 18lb (8kg) which has mostly stayed off. I never found it necessary to eat lots of red meat - the diet does NOT say you have to eat lots of cheese and steak! I ate lots of chicken breast and fish and avoided bread, rice, pasta, potatoes - which I pretty much still do. The only thing I really missed that I do now eat is cereal - I have home made porridge oat meusli most mornings and do believe that the oats and fruit are good for me - it just feels right. I'm 47 and am quite active and exercise every week, I think the low carb diet will always work for me.
Comment by Frances White on July 17 10:31
Everyone knows it works, not everyone knows how miserable it makes you when sticking to it!
Comment by Charlotte on July 17 09:38