Atkins diet under attack in UK
danger to public health and based on nothing more than 'pseudo
science', warned a leading British nutritionist this week.
The controversial high-protein, low-carbohydrate Atkins diet is a danger to public health and based on nothing more than 'pseudo science', warned a leading British nutritionist this week.
Speaking at a briefing at the Royal Institution in London, Dr Susan Jebb of the UK's Medical Research Council warned that the fad diet, currently enjoying surging popularity in Britain, was untested and could pose serious health risks to anyone trying to lose weight.
Devised by the late Dr Robert Atkins in the 1960's, the diet recommends unlimited proteins and fat but reduced carbohydrates, thought to overstimulate the insulin production that leads to overeating and weight gain.
Recent studies have confirmed its success in weight loss, but there is little data to show its long-term safety. "Nobody is evaluating what is happening out there to millions of people who are following it," said Jebb.
Nutritionists are concerned that eating high amounts of protein could strain the kidneys and increase amounts of calcium excreted from the body, affecting bone growth and regeneration.
Jebb pointed to evidence that carbohydrates and fibre helped to protect against heart disease and cancer, and the risks associated with eating too much fat.
The diet represents a significant departure from most governments' 'healthy eating' recommendations. Serious long-term trials would be needed to evaluate its impact, added the health expert.
"I certainly think we should be adopting the precautionary principle in terms of public health," she added.
Jebb also blamed the food industry for undermining government attempts to encourage balanced diets. "We have allowed the food industry to almost prevent any diet messages going out at all. The government has got to wake up to the need for the nation to change its eating habits to prevent obesity."
Jane Ogden, a health psychologist at King's College London, added that the Atkins diet was based on 'pseudo-science', making people believe certain foods were dangerous or unhealthy.
