Atkins Diet, Benefits & The Risk

Various types of diets with claims to reduce weight quickly, not all of them proven. It is advisable to first examine the potential benefits and risks, including the Atkins diet. The Atkins diet was introduced by Robert Atkins, taken from a study. However, the effectiveness of the Atkins diet to lose and maintain weight, still has not received the support of a strong research.

Changes in energy sources

Atkins Diet, reflect on the current diet consume lots of carbohydrates, thus triggering various diseases. This diet then seek to control the intake of carbohydrates, but eating more protein and fat instead. To obtain energy, the body burns fat and carbohydrates. Atkins Diet concluded that reducing carbohydrates will make the fat burning process becomes more effective. Therefore, the body will then prioritize the burning of fat as an energy source, including fat reserves. This can encourage weight loss.

One of Atkins diet benefits is, effectively lose weight in the short term due to low intake of carbohydrates. This diet, also thought to help reduce the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease. As efforts to weight loss, the Atkins diet is also likely improve cholesterol levels and blood sugar. One study showed that the Atkins diet may improve blood triglyceride levels, although this effect is not known for how long.

There is also a risk that is considered dangerous when the initial phase of the Atkins diet is ketosis, due to inadequate intake of sugar for energy. The body will digest the fat deposits and produces ketones as a residual substance. Some of the symptoms complained because ketones substances that accumulate in the body, namely nausea, headaches, bad breath, as well as mental fatigue. Ketosis occurring in the long term, can lead to more serious conditions such as seizure disorders, namely intractable epilepsy (epilepsy can not be controlled with medication) and some types of diabetes.

Atkins diet phase

That makes the Atkins diet is unique in the early appearance, allowing dieters to consume large amounts of fat. For example, the fat from burgers, eggs, cheese and others. It is allowed for limited carbohydrates. However, it will no longer be allowed. Thereafter, the recommended is to eat low-fat protein and a variety of fruits and vegetables.

There are four phases that must be followed when implementing Atkins Diet:

1. The first phase, limiting carbohydrate intake is only 20 grams per day. In this phase, usually at most weight down.


2. Second phase began adding a little carbohydrates, especially those from berries, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. This phase should be done to the rest of the 4.5 kg of the desired weight.


3. The third phase allows the addition of 10 grams of carbohydrates per week of starchy vegetables and whole grains. If the weight does not go down, then reduce the intake of carbohydrates again.


4. The fourth phase is recommended for life, with a target intake of 45-100 grams of carbohydrates per day.

Although there is a presumption that the Atkins diet is helpful, but that does not mean it can be applied to everyone. You are using insulin or diabetes medications and diuretics, are advised to be more careful in the Atkins diet. Meanwhile, for people with kidney disease, pregnant women and breastfeeding is not recommended for the Atkins diet. Always consult a doctor or nutritionist before you try to apply the Atkins diet to lose weight.