Objectives How does Atkins work Sample diet Research related to the diet Pros/Cons of the diet How to use in counseling

Robert Atkins, MD. developed the diet in the 1960s Dr. Atkins’ Diet Revolution was published Sept 1972

Phase One – The Kick-Start Phase Highly restrictive Must adhere to it at all times or will have to start over High intake of meats, eggs and cheese Minimum of two weeks in this phase, but can last longer

Phase One – The Kick-Start Phase Sample Diet Breakfast – Eggs scrambled with sautéed onions and cheddar cheese Snack – Red pepper with Greek vinaigrette Lunch – Chef Salad with chicken, bacon, tomato, avocado and dressing Snack – Green pepper with ranch dressing Dinner – Chicken breast with broccoli and mixed green salad

Phase Two – The Balancing Phase Additional foods can be added Berries, legumes and yogurts allowed Net carbs still between grams

Phases 3 and 4– Fine-Tuning and Lifetime Maintenance

Research Low Carb – High protein diet and incidence of cardiovascular diseases in women – cohort study Survey was mailed to 90,000 Swedish woman aged years 43,396 surveys used in the study Used nationwide Swedish registers for follow up over an average of 15.7 years A 20 g decrease in daily carbohydrate intake and a 5 g increase in daily protein intake would correspond to a 5% increase in the overall risk of cardiovascular disease BMJ 2012; 344 doi: (Published 26 June 2012)

Research Effects of Low-Carb vs Low Fat Diets on Metaboilic Risk Factors – Meta-analysis Analysis of 23 studies used published from 1966 to ,788 total participants from these studies from varying countries Low-carb diet found to be more effective in increasing HDL and decreasing triglycerides and LDL levels Statistical testing for publication bias found results to be no longer statistically significant Am J Epidemiol Oct 1;176 Suppl 7:S doi: /aje/kws264. Am J Epidemiol.

Research Low-Carb vs Low Calorie Diet in Treatment of Childhood Obesity 37 patients observed in the study – 27 low-carb, 10 low calorie Children on the low carb diet restricted from sugary drinks No limitations placed on foods for children on the low calorie diet Results found children on the low carb diet lost an average of 5.21 kg while children on the low calorie diet gained 2.36 kg

Pros Will achieve weight loss Exercise not necessary Cons Restrictive Expensive Linked to increase long-term risks of cardiovascular disease Excludes entire food groups

Counseling Use Understand reasoning behind interest in the Atkins Diet Explain the importance of a balanced diet, not excluding food groups Come up with a weight loss goal which is attainable and appropriate Explain that while weight loss can be achieved with this diet, studies show an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases with low carb – high protein diets