Cautions and Risks of Atkins Diet

The average carbohydrate intake recommended by the Atkins diet is well below averages generally recommended by other experts. Studies have shown that even though people may lose weight on the Atkins plan, they do not necessarily keep the weight off longterm because the diet does not teach sustainable lifestyle changes.

Like many fad diets, the Atkins plan produces and promotes many food products associated with its diet plan. As of 2007, these products included bars, shakes, and candy. So although the plan argues against processed foods and snacking, the company also heavily promotes use of its nutritional products to support weight loss or maintenance.

Most importantly, followers of the Atkins diet have reported suffering from muscle cramps, diarrhea, general weakness, and rashes more frequently than people on low-fat diets. Others have reported constipation, bad breath, headache, and fatigue. The American Dietetic Association has warned that any diet that severely limits one food group should raise a red flag to dieters.

Risks

Beyond the reported side effects and concerns about the diet's long-term effectiveness, some serious problems may arise for Atkins diet followers. One problem that has been documented is called ketoacidosis. This occurs when there is a buildup of the byproducts of fat breakdown because the body does not have enough glucose available. The condition can be dangerous, resulting in cell damage, severe illness, and even death. The low carbohydrates eaten by those on the diet are below those needed to supply the brain and muscles with sugar. Critics of the diet have also long focused on the risks of unlimited fat intake that the Atkins diet allows. Eating large amounts of saturated fat, even if weight is dropping, can lead to high levels of cholesterol and heart disease. However, this is not necessarily always the case. Cholesterol levels tend to decrease in many individuals when they lose weight, even if eating an unbalanced diet. Long-term research remains to be done in this area.

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