(NewsNation) — The Atkins diet has been popular ever since it was created in the 1960s and has spawned several books and other food products that can help you reach your dieting goals.
But what exactly is the diet, and what are some of the pros and cons of it?
What is it, and how does it work?
The Atkins diet is a low-carb eating plan developed by cardiologist Robert C. Atkins, according to Mayo Clinic. It focuses on eating more fats and proteins, and points to obesity and other health problems like heart disease and type 2 diabetes as being caused by a low-fat, high-carb diet.
While the diet does not require a person to count calories, it does use a system called net carbs, which is the total number of carbs minus its fiber content. According to the diet, its approach to carbs will burn off your body’s fat stores, control your blood sugar and won’t leave you feeling hungry.
The Atkins diet also claims exercise is not needed for weight loss, but states that it can help keep your weight steady.
What are some pros of the diet?
The Atkins diet says a person could lose a large amount of weight in two weeks, and a study done by the National Institutes of Health shows that Atkins dieters lost more weight than people on other diet plans in the first month.
The diet also claims to decrease the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.
What are the cons of the diet?
For some, eating a low-carb diet could cause side effects such as headaches, dizziness, weakness and fatigue. According to Banner Health, some have reported thinning hair and overall hair loss as a side effect as well.
Mayo Clinic also said the Atkins diet and other carb-restrictive diets could cause the body to not have enough nutrients or fiber, which could lead to constipation, diarrhea and nausea.
The Atkins diet recommends that you talk to your healthcare provider before starting the diet to see if it works for you.