How refreshing to see a pro-Atkins article for once in the British media


Atkins dangers 'exaggerated'
by BEEZY MARSH, Daily Mail

limmers should not be stopped from trying the Atkins Diet, an obesity expert has said.

The health dangers of the controversial low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet had been exaggerated, Dr Ian Campbell claimed.

Atkins is at the centre of fears over a possible link to diabetes and concerns that it may speed kidney damage because of the large amount of protein consumed.

But Dr Campbell, chairman of the National Obesity Forum - an alliance of experts on weight and health, said he would not object to his patients using the diet.

The benefits of weight loss, which are seen almost immediately on the plan, could be used to motivate the obese.

"I think the danger of Atkins has been over- exaggerated," Dr Campbell added. He would not advise someone to try the diet, but if they were already on it or had decided to try it, he said he would support them.

He went on: "They can use Atkins to help them lose weight in the short-term. Evidence suggests short-term weight loss on Atkins is OK. But I have concerns about possible long-term effects and the evidence suggests the diet is not the right approach long-term."

With one in five UK adults obese, doctors had to be prepared to accept that some people may wish to follow diets such as the Atkins, he added.

Colette Heimowitz, director of education and research at the company Atkins Health and Medical Information Services, welcomed Dr Campbell's comments, saying: "Nutritionists in the UK are are so stuck in their thinking that fat is bad and carbohydrates are good.

"They are reacting against Atkins on the basis of what they fear is going to happen rather than what is actually happening." Numerous studies had shown the Atkins plan was beneficial to health and was more effective than low-carbohydrate diets at promoting weight loss, Miss Heimowitz added.

An estimated three million Britons are thought to be on the diet, which limits intake of foods such as pasta, potatoes and rice, in favour of meat, fish, eggs and cheese.

Its popularity soared after it emerged that stars such as Jennifer Aniston and Geri Halliwell had used it to stay slim.

Experts from the British Nutrition Foundation have warned that diets such as Atkins could lead to vitamin deficiencies. Followers may also suffer constipation, increasing the risk of diverticulitis and bowel cancer.

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