The Atkins Diet

comment from Sarah Oyston, Nutritionist at the Institute of Food Research

14 August 2003

“The Atkins Diet is a low carbohydrate, high protein, high fat diet designed to promote weight loss. The basic principle is that a high protein, high fat, low carbohydrate diet forces the body into a fasting state called ketosis, which may bring about quick weight loss.

Although certainly short term this seems to be effective in achieving weight loss, this kind of diet is not nutritionally complete with the elimination of a whole food group. The limited allowance of carbohydrates in the diet significantly reduces fruit and vegetable intake - a vital source of vitamins and minerals (including antioxidants) for the body. This does not fall in line with current government guidelines as we should be aiming to eat at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day.

Other areas of nutrition suffer as a result of low carbohydrate intake such as fibre. There are additional concerns that a high protein intake may have a detrimental effect on bone health over a long period of time. The impact of high fat intake on cholesterol levels over many months also needs to be considered.

Generally, in terms of weight loss the Atkins’ diet appears successful in the short term. However, the long term effects have yet to be determined. At present government healthy eating guidelines allow a much more balanced and nutritionally complete diet.”

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