Is the Atkins Diet Healthy?

What is the Atkins Diet?

The Atkins Diet is a low carbohydrate diet that was developed by a cardiologist, Dr. Robert Atkins in the 1960s. It focused on attaining the right balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. Atkins maintained that eating too many carbohydrates, especially in the form of refined flour and sugar, is what leads to health and weight issues. Unlike other diets, Atkins does not involve calorie counting or portion control. People on the Atkins diet are required to count carbohydrates.

There are 4 phases of the Atkins diet. Phase 1 is where carbohydrates are restricted the most and tend to be limited to no more than 20 grams of net carbohydrates daily. Net carbohydrates are calculated by subtracting fiber from total carbohydrates. Phase 2 and 3 gradually incorporate more carbohydrates. Phase 4 is a maintenance plan.

What are the health risks of Atkins?

Limiting carbohydrates in the early stages of the program is not without the risk of some side effects. Some people notice they may develop a headache, feel dizzy, weak, fatigue, or may develop constipation.

There is also concern that a high protein, lower carbohydrate style plan can lead to high uric acid levels which can cause joint pain and gout. It is always best to discuss with your health care provider before starting a plan to determine whether a low carb, high protein plan would be appropriate for you.

What are the health benefits?

Atkins suggests that people following their plan can see improvements in blood sugar, cholesterol levels, and weight loss. According to their website, “independent peer review published studies have demonstrated that the low carb Atkins diet improves health markers for heart disease, insulin resistance, diabetes, among other health benefits”. It is important to note that weight loss in and of itself can improve health markers for insulin resistance, diabetes, heart disease, etc.

Is the Atkins diet healthy?

There are some elements of the Atkins diet that can be helpful. Many people will find that being mindful of sugar and refined carbohydrates will help improve health and can lead to weight loss. That being said, that does not mean that everyone needs to start counting their carbohydrates daily.

There are many products out there such as protein bars and shakes that are Atkins products.

Be aware that ultra processed foods are still ultra processed foods even if they are packaged with health claims suggesting they are high in protein and low or no sugar.

If you are interested in learning more about metabolic health and weight loss, please consult us at Dignity Weight Center! We would be honored to meet you, and we take most insurances!

If you are interested in learning more about metabolic health and weight loss, please consult us at Dignity Weight Center. We would be honored to meet you, and we accept most insurances.