Does Atkins work? Is it safe?

Question

Gotta stop eatin them hamurgers man

Answer 1

It really does work, I lost about 3kg in week! However, it's really unsafe and can cause permanent damage to your liver - the body wasn't designed to store so much protein.

How it works is that because there's no carbohydrates in your body - it starts digesting itself - you not only loose fat but muscle as well.

All in all - don't do it man, it just aint worth it.

Answer 2

Yes and yes!

The whole idea behind Atkins is to figure out how many carbs you can have per day and not gain weight.

You start out at 20 g per day for two weeks, then go to 25 per day on week 3, 30 on week 4, until your weight stays the same or increases.

The reason people claim it doesn't work is because they think of it as a quick fix then go back to what they were doing. Keeping weight off is a lifetime commitment.

Answer 3

I have been in this diet since 1999. I lost 30 pounds in the 1st month and kept it off. My last blood test in cholesterol is down 30 points compared to pre-atkins diet. Blood sugar also have normalized and I feel very energetic.

By the way, I am still in this diet and I enjoy it. To me there is no sacrifice because I love meat and other protein anyways. Although, I am mode already...meaning, I increased the carb intake a little bit. Yes, sometimes I eat lots of carbs (especially desserts) but not too often. Just to say that I am not deprived...;)

Answer 4

First, to the nutball who said Atkins died of heart disease. He died from slipping on the ice on a sidewalk during winter and hit his head. Sheesh people, get your facts straight before opening your mouth and showing your ignorance.

Ok, that's out of the way. I went on the Atkins diet a year ago. Lost 30 lbs overall and have kept it off to date. As one poster stated, don't stay on the induction phase (the first two weeks) it is very important to move up the scale. Week three you will be consuming 25 grams a day. You will still be losing weight, just a little more slowly each week. The first two weeks are a little harsh as you will be changing your lifestyle concerning the foods you eat. Stick with it. That third week when you get to add an additional 5 grams of carbs per day is like getting a reward. Each week, as you add more carbs, it gets easier to maintain the diet. Don't worry, it's not like you will never be able to eat carbs again, you are just going to slowly reintroduce them to your diet. Most people eat around 300 grams a day, in my maintenance of the diet I have been able to handle 80-90 grams per day without gaining or losing.

It's easier than it used to be. There are low carb breads and tortillas now. Ranging anywhere from 3 to 10 grams of carbs per serving. I hope you check it out. Go to http://www.atkins.com and see for yourself.

Answer 5

Yes, it works, only if you want to try it, do get the latest book, and read the entire thing first. It's all quite safe for anyone whose kidneys are fine. There are several 'versions' of the eating plan. And the one you will wind up living on after losing the weight you want to, does allow for quite a few complex carbs.

If you were to attempt to remain on the 'induction' phase of this eating plan--you'd be so carb-starved you'd hate it forever, though. But, like I said--just go through the whole book.

Oh, one tip--if you decide to try this, get yourself some potassium tablets, and take 99 mg three times per day. If you don't, you'll get awful cramps in your legs!

Answer 6

I believe it does work in the short term, you do lose weight, however in the long term a diet with such high meat content can play havoc with cholestorol. Another downside to the Atkins is bad breath and wind.

I would say as a short term hit then yes, but long term its not a healthy diet.

Answer 7

atkins is not safe because chances are that with any protein diet, you will gain the weight back in a little big (unless you religiously exercise). i wouldn't recomend it. just do your thing and lose weight. and maybe watch what you eat. there are other safer alternatives to losing weight than just giving up carbs and acting like everything's fine. carbohydrates are essential for everyday stuff like walking from where you parked to your office building.


eat healthy and exercise on a daily basis.

Answer 8

OK , for short term it works pretty good and there are some scientific research that support it. Also, for short term is safe. But, other researchers are against it because it demands to give up ur fruits and many vegetables and the the great benefits of whole grains!!!

Answer 9

The atkins diet is a load of balls.
Did you know Dr Atkins died of heart disease?
His diet can't be that good can it.

Answer 10

it does work
but not safe, its only a temperaly diet
u will suffer headaches,mood swings,bad breath ect
but it does work its not good 4 the heart