Is The Atkins Diet Bad For You?
Also Known As: Atkins nutritional approach
Short answer
The Atkins Diet does not cause any severe negative health effects, but it is not very effective in helping users lose weight for an extended period of time.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
The Atkins Diet is a diet which advocates eating almost no carbohydrates and high amounts of protein and fat to facilitate rapid weight loss. This diet has gained increasing popularity since its creation in 1972 by Robert C. Atkins, a renowned cardiologist. Despite numerous celebrity spokespeople and success stories, there is no scientific evidence to support the Atkins diet is a safe method of weight loss.
There are few health risks associated with the Atkins Diet. Those who have used it have reported mild side effects such as nausea, dizziness, and constipation. Some of these side effects are related to fiber deficiencies which tend to develop in those following very low-carb diets. The diet is also fairly restrictive of fruit, and some people develop deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals as a result. Furthermore, researchers are wary as to whether the Atkins Diet is successful in helping users lose weight and keep it off for any extended period of time. Many studies show that after a short period of time, the diuretic effects of the Atkins diet wear off, and no significant weight loss occurs.
While the Atkins diet may not be as effective in the long run for weight loss, essentially any diet which helps overweight individuals lose weight helps reduce the risk factors for diabetes and heart disease. There are also some studies which claim the type of diet advocated by Dr. Atkins may have cardiovascular benefits. These studies suggest that the diet lowers blood pressure and thereby reduces the risk of strokes and heart attacks.
All in all, the Atkins diet may not be particularly harmful, but its long-term weight loss results are not promising. If you are looking to lose weight and keep it off, you're probably better off finding a diet that emphasizes healthy habits, exercise, and a balanced diet instead.
Possible short-term side effects
- nausea
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dizziness
-
constipation
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headache
Possible long-term side effects
- fiber deficiency
- vitamin deficiency
Benefits
- possible decreased risk of heart attack and stroke
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possible decreased blood pressure and risk of heart disease
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weight loss (not long-term)
Healthier alternatives
- exercise and a well-balanced diet
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Written by Shaylie F
Published on: 01-28-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Shaylie F
Published on: 01-28-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016
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