An estimated 3 million people in the UK have tried the Atkins Diet, according to a poll which confirms the rapidly growing popularity of the controversial diet.
Despite numerous attacks by nutritionists, the diet, which advises a high intake of protein to replace most carbohydrates, has been shown to be effective in recent US studies. However its long-term safety remains unknown.
The poll, carried out by YouGov for a British television channel, found that 7 per cent of men and 10 per cent of women had tried to lose weight on the diet.
Many scientists are concerned that long-term use of the diet, which contains higher fat than the more accepted high-carbohydrate, low fat diet, could lead to kidney problems, or even increase the risk of bowel cancer.
However the growing levels of obesity seem to be driving use of the diet, most popular in the US and UK, two countries where the epidemic has caused highest concern.
The poll also showed that around two-fifths of the UK population are currently dieting in some form or other.