Atkins

Dr. Robert Atkins (1930-2003) recommended a highly controversial and much sought after diet program for weight loss. After treating thousands of patients he brought out a series of books starting with "Dr. Atkins Diet Revolution" in 1972. This nutritional approach by Dr. Atkins popularly came to be known as the "Atkins Diet".

Atkins diet is based on a theory that contradicted all the prevailing medical beliefs regarding weight loss. This diet involves a drastic reduction in the carbohydrate intake and recommends food with a high content of proteins and fats such as meat, eggs and cheese. According to this diet plan carbohydrates lead to obesity and their consumption should be restricted to the bare minimum. By restricting carbohydrate intake our bodies start burning stored fats and thus lose weight in the process.

This diet plan involves four different phases:

· In the first phase (induction phase), the carbohydrate intake is reduced to 20 grams per day. As a result the body enters a state of ketosis and starts burning up extra stored fat. This phase continues for two weeks and contributes to the most significant weight loss in the entire diet plan.
· The second phase (ongoing weight loss) involves a step by step increase in the carbohydrate intake (5-10 grams weekly) until the weight loss stops and becomes constant. When an equilibrium stage is reached the carbohydrate intake is again slightly reduced for a sustained moderate weight loss. This phase is continued until the desired weight is achieved.
The third phase (pre- maintenance) is a transitory phase and is all about maintaining the weight while gradually increasing the intake of carbohydrates. The key factor is to determine how much carbohydrates a person can eat without gaining weight.
Final phase (lifetime maintenance) is to help people maintain their new eating habits.

Atkins diet has attracted widespread criticism from the medical community for causing heart diseases, bad breath, fatigue, constipation etc. Scientists remain wary regarding the long term effects of the diet plan. However many people following this diet claim to have shown positive results.