How the Atkins Diet works for weight loss
The Atkins weight loss diet is based on the fact that the body metabolizes carbohydrates before fats. If a person eats fewer carbohydrates, the body will be forced to burn fat for energy. The Atkins weight loss diet effects are based on the fact that a person can change their metabolism and lose weight by eating foods high in protein and fat and limiting foods high in carbohydrate. Banishing carbohydrates forces the body to enter ketosis, a state in which the body burns fat and food cravings disappear. The body enters into its starvation mode. Over-consumption of carbohydrates causes overproduction of insulin which leads to increased hunger and weight gain.
The Atkins diet allows a person to eat unlimited amounts of protein, eggs and cheese. On the Atkins diet, carbohydrates such as pasta, beans, bread, fruit, and starchy vegetables are severely limited. Carbohydrates are limited to only 15 to 60 grams per day on the Atkins diet while protein and fat are highly encouraged. It is expected that a person can lose up to 16 pounds in the first to weeks of the Atkins diet.
Advantages of the Atkins Diet for weight loss
Many people like the fact that they can eat as much protein and fat as they wish since these foods are often restricted in more traditional diets. For people who have tried a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet plans without success, increasing protein and decreasing carbohydrate in their diet often results in decreased food cravings and leads to rapid weight loss. The Atkins diet is relatively easy to follow and there are not any complicated meal plans that go along with it.
The basis of this weight loss is correct, in that the body will go into its starvation mode if it can not obtain enough energy from the diet and there are not enough carbohydrate reserves.
Disadvantages of the Atkins Diet for weight loss
Any weight loss diet that limits carbohydrates causes the body to rely on fat or muscle for energy and may cause dehydration. When the body converts stored fat to supply energy, it creates ketones as a by-product. Ketones may suppress appetite, but they also cause headaches, fatigue and nausea. Anyone with diabetes, heart, or kidney problems should not follow the Atkins plan because it promotes the formation of ketones.
Eating unlimited amounts of fat, especially saturated fat, can lead to an increased risk of heart disease. Some studies have shown a greater initial weight loss on the Atkins diet compared with a traditional calorie-controlled diet. However, after one year there was no major difference in weight loss between the Atkins diet and a traditional calorie controlled diet. The long-term health effects of this diet may be potentially risky because of the amount of fat that is consumed. In fact, law suits have been filed against the Atkins Diet with allegations of promoting heart disease.
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