Atkins Data Shows Promise for Low Carbohydrate Diets

A team of researchers at Stanford University have concluded a major study designed to investigate the various effects of several popular diets. The study looked at diets that advocate some measure of carbohydrate control, and included the popular Atkins and Zone versions.

At the end of the twelve month study, people following the Atkins diet lost the most weight. There was no difference in the amount of weight lost between the other, non-Atkins, diets. Researchers also measured participants' cholesterol levels and found them to be either unchanged or improved. Some vitamin levels, however, were lower than recommended, indicating the potential need for vitamin supplimentation for people utilizing the Atkins strategy.

It is worth noting that while those new to the Atkins diet typically lose a large amount of weight in the beginning, this study showed only a 8-10lb total weight reduction over 12 months, which is inferior to what can be expected from healthy eating habits and regular exercise. Also of note is that these results were obtained in a very specific subject population (overweight premenopausal women) and it cannot be automatically assumed that they will generalize to the population as a whole.

• Atkins Data in the Journal of the American Medical Association
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