Atkins diet no hoax, but side effects can be a problem
The Atkins diet works, according to a review of research published in the Sept. 4 Lancet. But people on the diet eventually regain weight and sometimes experience side effects, such as headaches and diarrhea, that are associated with carbohydrate deficiency, head researcher Dr. Arne Astrup told WebMD.
WebMD, which in my mind has the best coverage of the Lancet study this morning, also interviewed Atkins proponent Dr. Mary Vernon, a member of the Atkins Physicians Council. She said carb deficiency shouldn't be a problem:
"For me, the great thing about Atkins is it allows people to find their own level of carb tolerance. You go down to 20 grams of carbs at first, then you go back up until you find your own level. … An Atkins maintenance plan would have whole grains like barley and vegetables like baked squash at various levels according to your personal metabolic needs."
