As an overweight healthcare professional, I was very interested in this new diet craze, so I picked up a copy of Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution. I could take a lot of paragraphs and explain some of physiology behind his theories, but I think I'll stick to some simple facts. For muscle, skin, fat and many other tissues of our bodies, insulin must be secreted in order for energy (in the form of the simple carbohydrate-sugar) to enter the cells of those tissues. Our brains, kidneys, spleens, etc., are able to take in sugar without the help of insulin. Excess energy is stored as fat within those cells. When we eat carbohydrates (starches and sugars) our pancreas is triggered to secrete insulin. Dr. Atkins diet is based on these simple facts - if you reduce the secretion of insulin, you'll decrease the amount of sugar transported in to the cells and stored as fat. In lieu of carbohydrates, this diet book recommends a very high protein, high fat diet. Many of the body's tissues are able to break down protein and use it for energy, the fat, however, is more of a problem and that's what concerns me most about this diet and this book.

Dr. Atkins presents a very lucid and thorough explanation of the safety and efficacy of his diet, however, I would not trust my health and welfare entirely to his explanations. I've discussed this diet at length with registered dietitians and physicians who specialize in metabolism. They all caution that this diet can be unhealthy in anyone who sticks to it too long AND can further create some negative habits in people who have experienced the diet yo-yo that many of us who are overweight find ourselves doing. The diet's high fat component can also be medically unsound in persons with cholesterol disorders or disorders of the pancreas.

That said, the book is well-written as a guide and does have a logical medical theory behind it. Several recipes are included as well as sample menus. For a short weight loss "burst" the diet may help someone get started on serious weight loss or get over a plateau. However, I would caution anyone about changing their eating patterns entirely to a diet that is as high in fat as this one. Most of us would be better served to realize that there are no quick fixes to our eating and weight disorders -- we've developed these problems over years, we can only change them with a commitment of time and effort.



Recommended: No