Problems with the Atkins Diet
According to the infamous Dr Atkins - carbohydrate is the enemy. In his controversial high protein, low carbohydrate diet, he advocated cutting out carbohydrates completely for the first two weeks.
There were numerous and well-documented side effects associated
with following a high protein, high fat diet. In the short term the
effects are bad breath, constipation and extreme lethargy. Long
term the diet has been linked to accelerated kidney problems,
osteoporosis, colon cancer and heart disease.
Conclusion on FAD Diets
It is not surprising that consumers are confused about proven
weight loss messages, given the volume of fad diets, especially in
the post-Christmas and summer periods. Part of the problem
can be attributed to the fact that the media continue to promote
faddy diets, that lack a scientific basis but are deemed newsworthy
because they are celebrity endorsed. Consequently sensible
messages based on sound science and tried and tested, credible
treatment for obesity are lost.
Tackling the Weight of the Nation
In 2003, in response to the obesity epidemic and to counter the faddy diet approach the Flour Advisory Bureau (FAB) and the Grain Information Service (GIS) produced a report called Tackling the Weight of the Nation.
The report brought together the very extensive research in relation
to low-fat, high carbohydrate diets and showed conclusively that an
effective, realistic and achievable strategy for long-term weight
management with clear health benefits does exist. The health
strategies that can achieve this are clear and consistent and
require people to:
- Be more active, reducing sedentary activities and increasing programmed exercise
- Eat less fat
- Eat proportionally more wholegrain and high-fibre carbohydrate foods
- Reduce added sugars, especially soft drinks
- Reduce portions of energy-dense foods
- Plan regular meals, including breakfast
