Study says Atkins diet is best; others doubt it

A study comparing three popular diets -- the low-carbohydrate Atkins diet, the Mediterranean diet that is rich in fish and nuts, and a low-fat diet recommended by the American Heart Assn. -- has found that the Atkins and Mediterranean led to a slightly greater weight loss than the low-fat diet. The differences between the three groups of dieters, who were studied for two years, was slight. The Atkins dieters lost an average of 12 pounds compared to an average of 10 pounds for the Mediterranean dieters and an average of 7.3 pounds for the low-fat dieters. People on the high-protein Atkins diet also experienced greater improvements in their HDL cholesterol. The study was published today in the New England Journal of Medicine.

But don't expect all nutritionists and doctors to get behind the high-protein-diet trend. The study's credibility is a tad shaky considering it was funded in part by the Atkins Foundation.

Moreover, the American Heart Assn. released a statement this morning standing by its long-time recommendation that cutting fat in the diet is the optimal way to achieve good health and weight loss.

"The American Heart Association doesn't recommend high-protein diets for weight loss," the statement reads in part. "Some of these diets restrict healthful foods that provide essential nutrients and don't provide the variety of foods needed to adequately meet nutritional needs. People who stay on these diets very long may not get enough vitamins and minerals and face other potential health risks."

The AHA notes that more research is needed on whether weight loss achieved through high-protein diets can be sustained. The statement also suggests that high-carbohydrate diets featuring fruits, vegetables, nonfat dairy products and grains has been shown to reduce high blood pressure.

It's hard to imagine a day when the AHA will support high-protein diets over low-fat diets. Today is definitely not that day. See the story in The Times about the comparison of low-fat and high-protein diets. Read the AHA statement on high-protein diets.

-- Shari Roan 

Comments

[Lincoln Brigham]

The AHA has a lot of political capital invested in low-fat diets. They're not capable of reversing course now. What's more, the AHA treats everyone as if they are a heart patient.

[Terrance Bean]

The headline to this story is scewed from the start. Here's a better one: New England Journal of Medicine: Atkins wins or Atkins best. To not indicate the the "Study" was an NEJM study does not lend it the proper credence. Also, to include "others doubt it" in the headline gives undo credence to oppositional views without substantiation. You want to stop losing market share to other news sources (the internet)? - then, stop printing stories with an agenda. Does the AHA advertise with you?

[enrico57]

The study did not yield any surprise for many who are or were on the Atkins diet . I personally lost close to 80 lbs when I was on Atkins but unfortunately 2 years later I regained every single ounce back and the reason is : Atkins is extremely boring and difficult to adhere to. I had to cheat on the diet. Simply put it is based on meat, bacon, pork rinds,cheese, a few green leaves , eggs, fish etc..etc... I believe no one should fall for this horrible high fat, high protein, low carb diet no matter what the study says. Everyone I know who has regained their weight is now following a more balanced approach. Diets and exercise must be interesting and be based on variety. I wish good luck to all the fat guys out there. Believe me it is not easy to lose weight and keep it off.

[Craig Warden]

Doesn't the AHA have a huge conflict of interest because it makes money certifying food? In contrast, The Atkins Foundation which funded this research does not make money from sales or certification of food.

[Rose]

Weight loss is all well and good, but what about people's overall health? How much of their recommended intakes of vitamins and minerals are they getting? What about all the other extremely important health benefits of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, like better digestion, less constipation, lower blood pressure, less cancer... The list goes on and on and on.

What about the phytonutrients, antioxidants, and polyphenols in the 'high carb' fruits and vegetables that Atkins shuns?

What about the environmental costs of eating almost solely meat, which contributes to loss of vital habitats to create pastures, animal cruelty, huge amounts of grain being used up that could instead help allievate world hunger, and greenhouse gas emissions?
It might help you shed a few pounds, but in the long run, Atkin's diet is not a good plan.

[Theta]

Thats the secret of all restrictive diets for weight lost. You get bored of it and just decide to eat less. (In reply to Terrance Bean's comment ).

[G Eden]

I agree with Lincoln Brigham's comment and I would add HMO's to the list of those who are invested in the low fat high carb diet. I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2000. When I follow the Atkins diet I not only lose weight, my HDL and glucose readings improve. The more weight I lose the more normal the readings. My HMO's dietitian won’t even read the Atkins book. I don’t eat high fat protein and nowhere in the book does it state that high fat protein is mandatory. The problem is sticking to Atkins for the rest of your life but the low fat diet is also very difficult to stick to.

[TJefferson]

The low-fat dogma just seems to never end, no matter how much science debunks it. The people in this study who were on the low-carb diet could have lost half their body weight, cut their LDL cholesterol level by a hundred points, improved their HDL cholesterol to perfect levels and the AHA would still be complaining about saturated fat content in the diet - even though the low-carb dieters did far better overall than the low-fat group. While the number differences were relatively low, the actual percentage differences were huge.

Aren't the people at the AHA supposed to be scientist. If so, why can't they look at the empirical evidence and just acknowledge that their hypothesis about low-carb diets and saturated fats have been just plain wrong. I swear, the never ending denials of the AHA and other like minded groups, no matter what the science shows, gives one the impression that these groups are on the payroll of the entrenched interests who are most likely to lose out when the low-fat paradigm dies its eventual and rightful death.

[Tom]

I'm a diabetic and I've been on the Atkins diet for 5 days and I feel great. My glucose has been steadily rising and I was worried I might have to go on insulin. Now, I feel like I may eventually get off my pills. It's amazing! My glucose is down 50% since Saturday and I feel great. I used to be exhausted after lunch but now I have tons of energy at work even at 5:30. Plus, I'm not hungry. I no longer eat any sugar, bread, or pasta and eat tons of dark green vegetables with some fruits that have a low glycemic index plus chicken, steak, salmon, and bacon. I feel like I'm 15 years younger.

[Tom Haws]

Rose,

Well said. Being slender is important, but life is about total health and happiness, not just weight loss.

All diets agree on one thing: Replace white flour, white sugar, and packaged high fat and high sodium food with something healthier, more varied, and more tasty, more colorful, and more interesting .

Tom Haws

[BMurray]

Clearly the optimal diet for simple weight loss is not eating at all (which, taken to the extreme, will even keep that weight off for the rest of your life), which suggests that weight loss as a sole criterion for a diet is flawed.

[M. Y.]

The problem is that they failed to include the "Heller" variant of low carb diets. The Heller method requires low carb meals twice a day with a modest-carb-containing meal allowed once per day and includes a balance of foods with moderate fat, high protein and generally low carbs. It regulates insulin production and thereby appetite. It has been tested with lab measurements of insulin.

Almost all discussion on diet fail to include the effects of appetite. No diet which doesn't control appetite can succeed in most people-- appetite is a primal urge almost as compelling as breathing. People can't resist it with will power alone for very long.

Unfortunately boredom is important for some people-- though many can recognize that as long as they aren't hypoglycemic or ravenous, life has other enjoyments and rewards besides food. The Heller system and modifications to it allow people to enjoy most foods except maybe the sweetest desserts and starchiest foods and yet lose weight and maintain the loss. Not everyone needs this but those with "metabolic syndrome" (google it) emphatically do. They also need modest doses of statins and niacin and if they do the Heller diet and those things, they can forestall the development of high blood pressure and diabetes sometimes for life.

You can read about the Heller system here:

http://www.carbohydrateaddicts.com/

And you can get their original (and best) 1992 book on eBay or amazon.com used for a pittance.

FYI: I have no financial or other interest in the Hellers or their book or their method. I'm just trying to be helpful with a frustrating problem made worse by all the idiots who spout off on it without knowing anything-- starting with the weirdoes appearing on day time TV shows in the US especially Oprah.

[Scott]

All the yea but's crack me up. I have used the Atkins for three years and have lost over 120 lbs and never felt better. The low carb way of life is returning and get ready for the stores to start stocking new low carb items. Believe it, it works....

[John]

What bothers me about this report is that it ignores the long term effects of each diet and also what the side effects may be of sticking to the Atkins or low fat diet. Secondly results should nto just be measured in terms of weight loss but overall helath of the person on a longer term basis.

The key is not to diet and then later change back to your old ways but to adopt a new diet that you can sustain for the long term. The fact is that while not eating carbs will help you lose weight your body needs complex carbohydrates. The carbs that are bad for you are the simple processed carbohydrates. as for fat there is good fat and bad fat. Natural fats found in things like avocados and fish is healthy fat. The fat from McDonald's and junk food is not. Another miscoception is cholesterol. There are two kinds HDL and LDL. The LDL is bad for you while HDL is good for you. Natural foods provide you with HDL.

My thought is to adopt a natural diet and suggest eliminating all processed foods, fried foods, junk food, soda, etc. The Mediterrean diet is probably the most balanced and incorporates a broad spectrum of healthy natural foods such as proteins from fish and meats, complex carbs from beans legumes,etc. and other healty sources of nutrition such as fruits and vegetables. In addition, the way these foods are prepared make them tasty! There is nothing like a nice grilled fish with a freash salad with real fresh non-modified tomatoes, onions, carrots, avocado and olive oil! Also red wine is very good for you as well and complements the meal nicely.

[Scott]

"Simply put it is based on meat, bacon, pork rinds,cheese, a few green leaves , eggs, fish etc..etc" I am sorry but you didnt read the book and didnt follow instructions. No where does it say you are stuck to these foods. In fact, I eat low carb bread, I eat low carb Ice cream, I eat good hearty fruits and I know what my limits are. If you were to follow the book, you would not have gained that weight back. Sorry but I have to vent a little because this way of life saved my life. 120 lbs lost. Also you can have wheat noodles and brown rice at times as well. So much to choose from. Try it again my friend and you will see that it works if you work it.

[anonymous]

Atkins has got to be the most misunderstood diet of all time.

My husband lost 50 pounds five years ago and has kept it off. I lost two sizes just sorta following it to encourage him.

To all of you Atkins "experts" READ THE ENTIRE BOOK. It is a healthy lifestyle, not a diet! It really boils down to nutrient dense food replacing empty carbs and chemicals.
The reduction diet is a temporary diet that is in no way intended for long term health.

If all you eat is protein and a lettuce salad you are going to seriously damage your heath. There are hundreds of vegetables and fruits to choose from, the fresher the better. Don't forget dairy, either - just don't eat the processed kind with hydrogenated oil (ie; American cheese).

You should all read the entire book before claiming you know what the Atkins lifestyle is about.

[Wicasta Lovelace]

The Atkins program is the only diet that has ever significantly worked for me. One refrain you keep hearing is that someone went on Atkins and lost a lot of weight, but then gained it all back once they went off of it. Well ... duh. If you go back to eating the way you were eating before, then of course you're going to gain the weight back. Weight Watchers has always worked for my mother, but whenever she goes off of that program, she gains the weight back. For any diet to be effective, you have to approach it as a lifestyle change, not a quick fix. Atkins is a means to an end. But when you've reached your ideal weight, the idea is to adopt have developed healthy eating habits and maintain your weight, not go back to the cheeseburgers and ice cream.

[Tom]

The key to weight loss is smaller portions of all the good food. I use NuVitae to "quench my appetite" so I can eat less, naturally. It tastes and looks like lemon lime soda but has fiber in it, the missing link for many people :-)

[veggiedude]

If you want to know what the best diet is to lose weight, it is the one where you stave yourself by not eating anything at all. But who is daft to endorse that? Similarly, the Atkins diet is not a common sense approach to dieting.

[vladimir_dt]

Sorry people, but low fat intake means nothing to your body's desire to have free floating fat molecules in your bloodstream. Check a high school metabolic chart for conversion of food to energy sources that your body can use please.
The Atkins diet, which has lost me 45 lbs permanently, (loss kept off for more than 10 years) when read and followed correctly, means that you must take into account the loss of trace micro-nutrients and minerals, and MAKE UP THE LOSS through high quality supplements. Not doing this means that you are NOT following the diet correctly.
My genetics and family history has a inevitable curse of heart failure, and diabetes, yet by using a strict atkins eating pattern I've been able to maintain a healthy blood sugar level for more than 5 years without insulin.
Nutritionists need to evaluate their testing methods and stop relying on studies from the 20's 30's and 40's for their "diet" prescriptions.
Eat meat, its good for you.

[Lisel]

Thanks to the AHA and ADA, my low fat diet made me not only fat, but diabetic and loaded with triglycerides. Only by adhering to a moderate fat, high protein diet can I keep my cholesterol, triglyceride and HbA1c levels at normal. I had to learn to actually LIKE a breakfast omelet with cheese and sausage and eggs (no toast) or OJ)rather than a bowl of high carb cereal, and I had to learn to eat salads with meat and hard boiled eggs or shrimp in them, and to eat meat or seafood and a low carb veggie like broccoli for dinner, but with all the great cookbooks out there, I am pretty happy. The AHA is screwing americans by promoting diets that are only for marathon runners! those carbs are converted to fat and used in place of body fat for energy, thus insuring that you stay fat!

[fred]

these are not real diets 7 - 12 pounds in 2 years that is what you should expect in 1-3 months not 24.

[Victor Klassen]

The wonderful thing about secondary sources is just how much they leave out. Several key things were not mentioned: "the participants were counseled to choose vegetarian sources of fat and protein and to avoid trans fat"; and the low-carb diet and "Mediterranean" diets outperformed the low-fat diet after two years, while they were within statistical noise of each other. Also, [They] "enrolled few women; however, [they] observed a significant interaction between the effects of diet group and sex on weight loss (women tended to lose more weight on the Mediterranean diet)."

[Brian]

Having lost 60lbs on Weight Watchers and kept it off for around six years, I agree with everyone here who kept the weight off (yes, even the Atkins folk): It's your lifestyle that has to change, not your weight. If you go into any of the major diets thinking one simple rule will fix your problem, you'll fail. The idiot version of Atkins (eat nothing but steak and cheese) won't work, nor will the idiot version of the low-fat diet (eat nothing but boxes of pasta [it's low fat!!]).

Change your lifestyle, make healthier decisions forever, and you'll be alive longer. The real version of Atkins, the real version of Weight Watchers, and the real version of pretty much every mainstream diet demands that kind of commitment from you to work.

[Justin]

This was partially funded by the Atkins Institute and that diet only performed marginally better than the others. I realize it was published in a respectable journal but I don't completely trust the findings if the AI funded even a portion of the study.