Fad Diets Versus Dietary Guidelines (continued)
Reprinted with permission of the American Institute for Cancer Research.

In Greater Detail:
Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution

Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution , by Dr. Robert C. Atkins, M.D.

This book is simply an update of Dr. Atkins' previous diet, recycled here perhaps to encourage the sale of dietary supplements.

Besides the health risks associated with ketosis outlined earlier, there are other long-term concerns associated with this particular plan. Atkins' diet can lead to the kind of rapid weight fluctuations that adversely effect the heart. Moreover, the breakdown of fatty acids that occurs during ketosis may also increase the risk of heart disease.

One of the basic tenets of Atkins' diet is that sugar causes cancer. Such misleading pronouncements are essentially scare tactics, meant to direct the dieter towards foods on the Atkins plan.

Finally, nothing about this plan encourages the dieter to learn some very basic weight management strategies like portion control and serving sizes, let alone develop the skills necessary for a lifetime of balanced nutrition.

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