I am so angry about this totally irresponsible attitude. How can a Dr stand by and advise his patients to remain fat rather than try this eating plan? Surely that goes against EVERY bit of knowledge they have.

FAT BETTER THAN THIN WITH ATKINS, GPS (on AOL today)

More than one in four GPs would advise a patient to stay obese rather than go on the controversial Atkins diet, a survey has revealed. How stupid is THIS???

Concerns about the long-term effects on health of the trendy low carbohydrate high protein eating plan have caused many doctors to raise doubts about its suitability.

But despite this, 33% of those questioned by medical website onmedica.net said they would recommend Atkins in certain circumstances. A total of 28.9% said they would advise someone to remain obese rather than try the diet, but 10% of GPs admitted to actually trying it out themselves.

Following recent high-profile coverage of the diet - which involves eating protein foods such as meat and cheese but not carbohydrates such as bread and potatoes - 82% of GPs said patients had raised the issue with them.

The doctors polled expressed concerns about the diet including the risk of cardiovascular and renal disease, long-term effect on cholesterol, possible mineral deficiencies, effects on blood fat and long-term effects on liver and kidneys. Again, no basis for this at all.

One doctor said of the diet: "It is totally in opposition to all the healthy eating principles that I promote to my patients - reduce fat, plenty of fruit and veg, emphasis on complex carbohydrates." This is how we got fat isn't it? People that can't see beyond their own brain-washed ideas. Anyway, we do eat veg and fruit. Grrrr.

Another criticised those people always looking for "quick-fix" methods of losing weight. Quick?? Not for me.

"The general public by and large are always looking for an easy way to slim without any pain or effort on their part. They blind themselves to the simple fact that they must scoff less to lose weight," he said.

Another GP voiced concern that the theory behind the diet had not been researched and that the "high protein, high fat intake will cause many problems in the long-term". Yes, like the low fat high carb has helped so many of us hasn't it?

A total of 189 doctors took part in the onmedica.net survey.

Copyright (c) Press Association Ltd 2003, All Rights Reserved.

Is it any wonder that people get scared about Atkins when the Drs say ridiculous things like this to their patients. They seem quite resistant to change don't they?