Hi,

I just read in my local paper about Duke University doing a 6 month study on low-carb versus low-fat diets, with low-carb coming out by far the better way to do it. (I was a little disappointed in the avg. weight loss of 36lbs. in six months, I hope it doesn't take me that long!) Anyway, "Nightline," apparently is going to do a show about what happens after a year, and is of course implying it's not the best way in the long run. I'm curious if any of you know how going low-carb does in the long run. (I'm on Atkins.)
Thanks!

Dr. Atkins was living proof that after eating LC for over 30 years, he didn't regain and was healthy. So sad that he slipped on the ice that day back in April 2003 and died of head injuries. I wish he could see how mainstream low carbing has finally become.

My DH and I have only been LC'ing for about 2 months now, but we know several people that have been at it for over a year. They all say that they still feel great, have kept the weight off, and their health just keeps improving. Most of them have said that their joints feel better (they are in their 40's and 50's), have less backaches, and feel 20 years younger. They've all said that they kept waiting for the other shoe to drop, but it hasn't, so they know that this is their WOL forever!!!! I can't wait to feel that way for myself!!!!!!!! I agree, it's so sad that Dr. Atkin's didn't get to see it all for himself, but he knew it would happen. There are lots of people that are going to be eating their words, (myself included) when the tests show that this WOE isn't the dangerous thing that people think it is.

I have 3 summer employees that just pulled in today (I manage an RV resort). They started Atkins last summer and did real well. They headed south b4 getting to their goal weight. I hadn't told them that DH & I were also on it and was curious as to how they had done all winter. They had each gained only 5 -7 lbs and were planning on getting back on the wagon once they were here.

I know there are a quite a few here in the forum who have stayed with it for a number of years.

I've been LCing for much of the time since Oct. 1998, yes, 1998. My blood tests are great & so is my general health. I haven't lost much as I've had medications and 2 major surgeries (hips) in there, but LCing is now a 6 year thing for me and I'm fine.

Airwidow, about the average being 36 pounds in 6 months, that's just an average. Many people lose a lot more depending on their metabolism and age and other things. Though some people lose a lot less than that. Start tracking your losses carefully and you may come to see a pattern. Daily weigh-ins have actually helped me predict when I may not lose and how long to expect before I start losing again. My predictions are almost always correct.

As for myself, 36 pounds in 6 months would be frustrating! I mean, 36 pounds is still a lot..but... I've been on this WOE for 3 months and 2 days and have lost 38 pounds. So I'm proof that that average is only an average.

Hopefully that will make you feel a little better.

Hi!
I've been on Atkins for over a year and am doing great and loving it! I've lost over 85 lbs and my blood work - cholesterol and triglciride levels are perfect. DH is in maintenance and is also doing great.

Marie