So You Think You Know Atkins?

DENVER, March 2 /PRNewswire/ -- The recent study published in the March 2 issue of Annals of Internal Medicine compares the long-term effects of low-carbohydrate versus low-fat diets. The authors reported elsewhere the results of a randomized, controlled trial that found greater weight loss at six months with a low-carbohydrate diet (less than 30 g/d) than with a calorie-restricted, low-fat diet (1,500 kcal/d with less than 30% kcal from fat) in 132 participants who had a high prevalence of diabetes and the metabolic syndrome. They subsequently reported no significant differences in weight loss between groups at the end of the 12-month trial, with no further intervention after the twelfth month. To assess outcomes after 36 months they invited all participants to return for a follow-up visit, with 40 participants in the low-carbohydrate group and 48 in the low-fat group returning. Conclusions reported the difference in weight change between groups was not significant, although the low-carbohydrate group regained weight and the low-fat group did not. Changes in lipids, glycemic control, insulin sensitivity, and dietary intake did not differ significantly.

This study began three years ago, before the New Atkins Era. Since then the New Atkins Diet has evolved significantly; it is driven by science, allows consumers significant flexibility, and provides tools essential to the Atkins Lifestyle post weight loss. Additionally, the recently announced Atkins book, The New Atkins for A New You: The Ultimate Diet for Shedding Weight and Feeling Great by Dr. Eric Westman, Dr. Stephen Phinney and Dr. Volek (Touchstone/Fireside, March 2010), summarizes years of science that supports the principles of a sustainable eating plan.

More recently, a study two years ago in The New England Journal of Medicine (July 17, 2008) compared three diets – Low Carbohydrate, Low Fat and Mediterranean – and followed more than 300 obese patients for two years. The study found low-carbohydrate diets are more effective in achieving weight loss than other diets.

During the study in the Annals of Internal Medicine, low-carb dieters experienced greater weight loss during the initial six months (almost three times more than low-fat), and converted to fat-burning by staying in the weight loss phases of Atkins known as Induction and Ongoing Weight Loss (OWL). However, adding back carbs too quickly undoes the benefits of the weight loss phases for the overweight and obese individuals. Nutritional support is also important, particularly with persons suffering from diabetes or metabolic syndrome (study participants received no support after one year). Without ongoing nutritional support and monitoring, participants may have reverted to some of their old eating habits and did not progress through the Atkins phases properly. Trying to stay at Induction levels too long or going too high in carbs during OWL reduces likelihood of long-term success. A "true" Atkins approach would have moved subjects to the point where they found their carb-equilibrium (Pre-Maintenance) and would have increased likelihood of success maintaining weight loss.

"In the Annals study, the lead author feels it's very hard for people to sustain a low-carb diet.  We couldn't disagree more.  The newly published Atkins book, The New Atkins for a New You, provides all the tools necessary to view Atkins as a long-term lifestyle, not a short-term fix," said Colette Heimowitz, VP of Nutrition & Education at Atkins Nutritionals, Inc. "The new book functions as turn-by-turn metabolic GPS, helping you find the point at which your body burns fat while providing a viable, sustainable way of eating."

About Atkins Nutritionals, Inc.

Atkins Nutritionals, Inc., is a leading player in the $2.4 billion dollar weight control nutrition category, and offers a powerful lifetime approach to weight loss and weight management.  The Atkins Nutritional Approach focuses on a healthy diet with reduced levels of refined carbohydrates and refined sugars and encourages the consumption of protein, fiber, fruits, vegetables and good fats. Backed by research and consumer success stories, this approach allows the body to burn more fat and work more efficiently while helping individuals feel less hungry, more satisfied and more energetic.

Atkins Nutritionals, Inc. manufactures and sells a variety of nutrition bars, foods and shakes designed around the nutrition principles of the Atkins Diet™. Atkins' four product lines: Advantage®, Day Break™, Endulge™ and Cuisine™ appeal to a broad audience of both men and women who want to achieve their weight management goals and enjoy a healthier lifestyle. Atkins products are available in more than 30,000 locations throughout the U.S. and internationally. For more information, visit atkins.com.  

SOURCE Atkins Nutritionals, Inc.