In one of the first studies to target the popular Atkins Diet,
researchers out of Denmark suggest that replacing carbohydrates
with fatty foods is safe -- at least the first six months.
Any longer and, according to the researchers, dieters are on their
own.
Scientists at a university in Denmark concluded that although the
diet seems to promote "weight loss without hunger" in
the short term, its future effects on a low-carb dieter's health
and disease prevention are unknown.
The high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet's popularity skyrocketed in
the last few years, with an estimated 45 million books about the
plan sold. During that time, there have been few studies about the
diet.
The Danish researchers looked at three studies that meet the so-called
gold standard of research by assigning people randomly to either
the Atkins diet or a traditional low-fat, low-calorie diet. Studies
that let participants to make their own choices or ones that look
at people after they begin a diet often are considered less reliable.
The three studies looked at didn't extend beyond one year. Results
suggested that participants on the Atkins-style diet lost more weight
during the first three to six months than those on the more traditional
diet; however, at the one-year mark, both sets of participants lost
the same amount of weight.
Surprisingly, the Atkins dieters were more likely to improve their
cholesterol levels, even though they were consuming more fat. Researchers
attributed this to the greater weight loss early on.
According to the study, low-carbohydrate diets, when combined with
high-protein intake, may decrease appetite by encouraging a small
selection of foods. It is thought that this monotony might make
people feel full.
Weight and eating disorders experts also have concerns about the
lack of long-term studies of the Atkins diet. One scientist fears
that research will not catch up with the mainstream use of low-carb
plans in time to find out its real effects. In the long term, some
experts think the Atkins diet may lead to bone and kidney problems.
However, many also speculated that it would not have a positive
effect on cholesterol, considering all the recommended fat consumption.
Doctors who advocate the use of the Atkins diet believe it is balanced
and allows variety of food choice. They welcome more research, but
add that many patients have benefited from the diet. They recommend
it be followed under the supervision of a physician.
Yahoo
News September 2, 2004
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