"atkins" news and stories

Forbes list of the 10 best diets to follow did not include the carb-phobic Atkins diet for a good reason: while people who follow the diet do lose weight, a new case study shows that it could lead to life-threatening health complications.

The study followed the case of a woman who developed a condition known as ketoacidosis while following the diet. Though it is somewhat rare, the disease is caused by a buildup of ketones in the blood-stream. Ketones are produced by the liver when insulin levels fall and more are produced the lower the insulin levels get. An excessive buildup of ketones in the blood can cause patients to fall into a coma, preceded by loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting.

According to WebMD, ketosis, which would precede the onset of the extreme condition of ketoacidosis, can be prevented by eating approximately 100 grams of carbohydrates a day, or about 1 cup of oatmeal. Carb-Counter.org is a good source of information regarding the amount of carbohydrates in various foods.

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Last week's Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) published some findings about the effects of long-term weight loss with a low fat diet. The study was done in the context of the popularity of low-carb diet regimens (Atkins, South Beach), which are not necessarily low in fat. Supporters of the low-carb diets have suggested that it is low-fat, high-carb diets that have contributed to the US's obesity problem. The JAMA's conclusion? From the abstract, "A low-fat eating pattern does not result in weight gain."

No. Effin'. Way.

I am not poking fun at the JAMA, because, like, they're doctors and stuff. However, I am poking fun at everyone who 1) finds this information the least bit surprising, and 2) will twist the information and use it as license to reach for a dozen doughnuts with utter abandon.

No, no o ye of little restraint.

 

Before the jump (into 2006) we saw how food trends go from introduction to assimilation into the mainstream. Nicole showed us a few predictions of foods that will take off in 2006, and Sarah Gilbert gave us the ratings on last year's most popular trends.

But there are a few trends that either only started or hung on for dear life through the end of 2005. These are the bottom five food trends (trend, not people) I hope to see completely suffocate and fizzle out in 2006.

2005 has been a banner year for both nutrition awareness and dieting, from carb to calorie counting. New diets and trends are springing to life before our very eyes, but USA Today put together their top five trends in nutrition and diet from the past year

1. Atkins bankruptcy. Dieters moved away from the strict carb counting regimen prescribed by Atkins Nutritionals, opting for more moderate plans, like the South Beach Diet.
2. Non-diet dieting. Eat less to avoid weight gain was the strategy presented to American women by Mireille Guiliano, a very thin French woman who advocated eating for pleasure. In small amounts, of course.
3. A new food pyramid. The USDA's revamped guidelines emphasize making healthier choices in each food group, encouraging people to choose leaner meats, whole grains and low-fat dairy in addition to a variety of fruits and veggies.
4. Attention to kids. Some companies pledged to stop directing marketing at kids, like Kraft Foods, Inc., while other companies were pressured promote healthy options instead of junk foods.
5. Obesity. Can the extra pounds kill you? Scientists seem to think not, though there are many health problems caused and/or exacerbated by obesity, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and heart disease, any of which can contribute to a decrease in life expectancy.

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