First published in the 1970s, Dr. Atkins’ Diet Revolution launched
the low-carbohydrate diet craze, which enjoyed a resurgence in the late
1990s. The diet is a carnivore’s dream, focusing largely on
high-protein meats and poultry (along with eggs and full-fat dairy
products), while banishing most carbohydrates such as bread, rice, and
pasta. One popular permutation of the low-carb diet is the South Beach
diet, which also restricts carbohydrates but urges people to avoid
saturated and trans fats (found in meat and processed foods) and to
favor healthier, unsaturated fats (found in nuts and fish). It also
allows more whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, making it a more
balanced approach.
The low-carb eating strategy is based on the biological fact that
eating carbohydrates raises blood sugar levels, which triggers an
outpouring of insulin from the pancreas. The theory goes a step further,
claiming that high insulin levels produce hunger, so people who eat
carbohydrates take in more calories and gain weight. The antidote to
carbohydrates is fat, which is more satisfying and filling. So, people
on a high-fat diet eat less and lose weight. Low-carbohydrate diets
also tend to cause dehydration. To make up for the lack of
carbohydrates in the diet, the body mobilizes its own carbohydrate
stores from liver and muscle tissue. In the process, the body also
mobilizes water, meaning that pounds are shed as urine. The result is
rapid weight loss, but after a few months, weight loss tends to slow
and reverse, just as happens with other diets.
The American Heart association cautions people against the Atkins
diet, because it is too high in saturated fat and protein, which can be
hard on the heart, kidneys, and bones. The lack of fruits and
vegetables is also worrisome, because these foods tend to lower the risk
of stroke, dementia, and certain cancers. Most experts believe South
Beach and other, less restrictive low-carbohydrate diets offer a more
reasonable approach.
