Back to Atkins... Is it safe?

[FogNoggin]

Hello all,

I'm an Atkins vet. I've done it before with tremendous success. I know all the rules, all the ins and outs. Yet I still wonder... is it safe??

Many of us have read the warnings. The, alleged, muscle loss, constipation, malnutrition and (drum roll) the inevitable return of weight lost. That, and I've read more terrifying tales, but I think a lot of those anecdotes come from folks doing it wrong. What do you all think and believe?

I'm in a bad place. Totally my fault, but I'm heavier than ever and becoming downright handicapped by my 350 pound weight. I also have a family history of diabetes. Obviously, I've got to lose some weight. I may choose more conventional methods (eat right & exercise) but I need faster results. My weight also, to a great degree, prevents productive exercise.

My goal is to lose 150 pounds. I'm riding the Atkins train at least part of the way. But I'm still a little worried about the safety of the plan.

Opinions please. Is it safe?

FogNoggin

[chinadoll]

Well, I have been more or less on it since 2002 and my cholesterol and triglycerides are in the best range possible, I have no signs of diabetes, and when I am following the WOE properly my allergies, sinus problems and acid reflux are always better. I exercise 5-6 days a week and feel terrific. So aside from the fact that the weight itself is as unsafe as any purported "risks" of Atkins, I would say I am doing just fine by Atkins. I think my walking around at 300 lbs was a lot unhealthier.

[Brook]

Well, as someone who has removed all the weight I wanted to and then some and been on plan for 6 1/2 years, who is a Jazzercise instructor, and has blood work I'd put up against anyone, I have to say that the plan (developed by a CARDIOLOGIST ) is safe, solid and sound.

People tend to do Atkins like some people tend to do Weight Watchers. There are WW followers who spend all their points on Skinny Cow icecream and fat free potato chips. Sure, within the confines of the program you *can* do that, but it's a blatant abuse of the program. The same holds true for Atkins. You can drink bacon grease from a tea cup and call it Atkins if you want, but that don't make it right