My opinion, is that it was lumped in with the others because it is a low carb / high protein diet when you look at something like Weight Watchers - or for that matter any high carb low fat diet. It's hard to think back to a time when that was MOST of what was available. It's easy to see how Atkins could have been regarded as a kook. I'm glad more research has been done regarding our protein and fat needs. LUCKY FOR US!!!