The Atkins Diet

The Atkins Nutritional Approach or popularly known as the Atkins Diet was developed by Dr. Robert Atkins (1930-2003). His book launched in 1972, Dr. Atkin's Diet Revolution , popularized this diet. He also came up with an updated version in Dr. Atkin's New Diet Revolution, in which original concepts were retained.

The diet consists of four (4) phases, these are: Phase 1 - Induction. This is the most restrictive of the four-phases as it limits the carbohydrate intake to 0.7 ounces per day. It has been reported that a person can lose as much as 8 lbs during this phase. Phase 2 - Ongoing Weight Loss or OWL is when carbohydrate intake is increased. A person stays in this phase until weight is within 10 lbs of the target weight. Phase 3 – Pre-maintenance is done to check the carbohydrate level which the body can take without gaining weight. Phase 4 – Lifetime maintenance is intended to help a person continue the discipline of the diet and promote consumption of who and unprocessed food.

Because the diet focuses on increased intake of fatty and protein-rich food, the Atkins diet has been found most unhealthy according to medical experts. Clinical symptoms associated with the Atkins diet include bad breath, fatigue and diarrhea and may even cause osteoporosis.

The diet's popularity peaked in 2003 and 2004. However when Dr. Atkins died in 2003, rumors spread that he suffered from heart ailments due to sever weight loss resulting from the diet he himself conceptualized.

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