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Atkins Diet > How atkins diet works

Both carbohydrate and fat provide fuel for the body’s energy needs. Carbohydrate is the first fuel to be metabolized. However, when the intake of digestible carbohydrates is sufficiently restricted (without caloric restriction), the body converts from the primary metabolic pathway of burning carbohydrate to burning fat as its main energy source. This results in weight loss.

Studies suggest Atkins diet is safe
 The extremely carbohydrate-restricted Atkins diet is a safe, effective way to lose weight, according to studies presented  in New Orleans.

A study of the diet conducted in North Carolina showed that on average, mildly obese people lost about 21 pounds in four months on the diet, and had positive changes in heart risk factors such as reduced cholesterol and increased HDL or "good cholesterol." These results are supported by a second study from researchers at the Atkins Center for Complementary Medicine in New York.

The  study included 41 mildly obese, healthy people who attended an outpatient clinic. The study participants followed a program that reduced carbohydrate intake to less than 20 grams per day, and included vitamin supplements and 20 minutes of exercise at least three times per week.

Over four months on the diet, the participants lost an average of 21.3 pounds, and showed a 6.1% drop in cholesterol, and almost a 40% drop in the level of triglycerides in their blood. In addition, their HDL levels increased by about 7%.

In a press release, the researchers also say that their study did not find any of the safety concerns voiced by the American Dietetic Association, such as potentially dangerous effects on liver and kidney function.

The study is continuing in order to assess the long-term effects of the diet.

The results of the second study was based on 300 overweight or obese patients treated at the Center for at least a year. Investigators collected information on weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, kidney and liver function and other parameters during the study.

The Atkins diet severely restricts carbohydrate intake to induce a state of ketosis, or metabolic starvation. Dieters are encouraged to measure urinary ketone excretion as an indication of how effective the diet is in inducing fat breakdown. "Ketosis is a benign byproduct of fat burning.With an adequate protein and fat intake, there is no loss of muscle mass.There is no change in (blood) pH if the diet is properly done.

However the diet is not for everyone.It's for those who need a correction in their sugar and carbohydrate metabolism.They encourage (vitamin) supplementation and an intake of 'good' fats, such as fish oil.

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