Study shows Atkins diet is effective for long-term weight loss

Jun 7 2013

A meta-analysis released in the June issue of the British Journal of Nutrition shows that a carbohydrate-managed approach, such as the Atkins Diet, is more effective for long-term weight loss than a conventional low-fat diet.¹ The study is the first meta-analysis that asserts that a low-carbohydrate diet performed better than low fat after the one and two-year mark.  Of particular importance given the astronomical rates of obesity, diabetes and other co-morbid health conditions, the study showed that low-carbohydrate diets were both beneficial and safe for the highly insulin resistant, carbohydrate intolerant population, who need to keep carbohydrate consumption low long-term. 

Colette Heimowitz, M.Sc., VP of Nutrition and Education at Atkins comments that, "This latest research adds to the strength of the Atkins Diet™ nutrition principles of adequate protein, healthy fats and suitable fiber from vegetables and low-glycemic fruits.  It highlights the efficacy, safety and longer-term sustainability of the diet that can help health professionals and patients accept the Atkins regimen as a viable solution for reversing obesity and the risk factors associated with heart disease."

Each study included in this review compared a conventional low-fat diet with a low-carbohydrate plan similar to the weight loss phases of the Atkins Diet. Also discovered in the review, and strengthening the evidence in favor of an Atkins-like approach, the review of 13 randomized controlled trials showed significantly improved good "HDL" cholesterol, triglycerides and diastolic blood pressure over the low-fat diet.  More importantly, this meta-analysis replicates similar findings with regard to promoting greater weight loss with low-carbohydrate diets over conventional low-fat diets as two earlier peer-reviewed papers (Obesity Review, 2009, Archives of Internal Medicine, 2006), only this study showcases the potential success over time and includes the pattern as encouraged in the Atkins Diet. ^2,3

Jeff Volek, PhD, RD, Professor and nutrition researcher at the University of Connecticut  added that, "For those following the research on low carbohydrate diets over the last decade, the positive findings from this meta-analysis for participants assigned an Atkins-like diet were not surprising.  With better information and more low carb food options now available (e.g., the new pre-packaged frozen meals from Atkins), it's never been easier to experience the health benefits associated with the Atkins diet." 

SOURCE Atkins Nutritionals, Inc.