Negative Effects of Atkins Diet

Possible negative effects of Atkins diet in the short run reportedly include kidney problems, loss of calcium in the bones, and high cholesterol levels.

There are many health organizations and medical professionals that criticize the Atkins’ diet, listing possible negative effects for both the long term and the short term.

For example, Dr. Rosemary E. Riley, in an article in the journal Clinics in Sports Medicine, lists some of the possible problem areas.

One problem is the very low amount of carbs in the diet. According to Riley, low carbohydrate diets such as Atkins diet, cannot maintain sufficient glycogen stores for high-energy activities.

Also, as a ketogenic diet, Atkins diet may also interfere with medications and other treatments for obesity.

The levels of fat intake is also a potential problem area according to Dr. Riley. Atkins diet foods that are high in protein, such as meat, eggs, and cheese, are also high in saturated fat.

Dr. Riley points out that eating these foods in excess may increase blood cholesterol levels to unhealthy levels.

Negative Effects of Atkins Diet and Weight Loss

The American Heart Association has a recommended limit of 30% of daily calories to come from fat, yet in the Atkins diet you can eat as much fat as you want to.

American Dietetic Association also has a problem with the Atkins diet. The Association recommends that in order to avoid potential health problems, one should only lose 1-2 pounds per week.

In the Atkins diet's first phase, called the Induction phase, weight loss may amount to 5 pounds or more the first week.

Negative Effects of Atkins Diet - Ketosis

Atkins diet is one of the best-known diets that use the bodily state called ketosis.

According to Dr. David E. Norwood, ketosis is a process by which excess, stored body fat can be burned (as well as protein), resulting in weight loss.

Dr. Norwood lists some of the possible negative effects of deliberately causing ketosis as possible muscle breakdown, nausea, dehydration, headaches, light-headedness, irritability, bad breath, and kidney problems.

In pregnancy, Dr. Norwood cautions ketosis to possibly cause fetal abnormality or even death. He also strongly advises against diabetes sufferers' use of the Atkins diet.

Finally, Dr. Norwood sees some potential negative long term effects with the Atkins diet. By restricting carbohydrates, the Atkins diet may lead to a lack of fiber, which can cause constipation and other gastrointestinal difficulties.

In addition, according to Dr. Norwood, the high amounts of cholesterol and saturated fat in the Atkins diet increase the risk of heart disease and, possibly, some cancers. He also points to evidence that a diet featuring excessive protein may leach calcium from the bones (giving rise to osteoporosis).