Claire's Atkins nightmare

9 September 2003

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Actress Claire Sweeney blamed the Atkins Diet today for giving her a kidney infection.

The former Brookside actress said she tried the controversial diet two years ago as a "quick-fix" after Celebrity Big Brother turned her into a household name.

But within a month of following the diet, which allows large amounts of protein instead of carbohydrates, she suffered a kidney infection which caused pain and a fever.

She told ITV's Lunchtime News, she said: "At the time I had a very punishing schedule and suddenly being thrust into the spotlight after Big Brother made me aware of my weight and being under scrutiny.

"It seemed like the quick-fix diet. You could go to a restaurant and it would be quite easy to choose what to eat, so I went on the Atkins Diet.

"I didn't notice a great weight loss and within three to four weeks I started getting pains in my lower back and kidneys, then I got a temperature and uncontrollable shaking.

"I never miss a day's work but suddenly I was bed-ridden for two days. I had a kidney infection.

"There wasn't enough known about the side-effects at the time but my instinct told me it was due to the diet and probably a punishing schedule as well."

Sweeney, 31, who now stars in West End musicals, recommended healthy eating and exercise as the best way to stay in shape.

She said: "I have just done a show called Here Comes The Sun. It is set in Spain with sundresses and bikinis and all that, so I wanted to lose weight again.

"I went for eating sensibly and working with a fitness instructor and I lost weight within a month."