One thing I've found with people that tell me that Atkins is unhealthy is that they know almost NOTHING about the diet. When I ask them questions, it is clear that they think that induction is the only stage and that you never eat fruits and veggies. It's impossible for you to make any decisions based on news reports you haven't seen but I would ask your friends what the "serious complications" were. They are probably the same old things about kidneys and heart disease that have not been proven.

I know someone who keeps telling me that Atkins is dangerous and "eating all that bacon and no veggies will kill you". I eat bacon once every few months. I was once eating a plate of veggies when she told me this. It seems like the negative messages about Atkins are so pervasive that people who are critical of it can't be objective. I give up . I won't hide that I'm on Atkins but it is seldom worth discussing it with people that are critical. They seem to never "get it".