“LONDON (Reuters) – More than 45 million copies of the books have been sold and everyone seems to be on it, but researchers said Friday that Atkins and other low-carbohydrate diets do not help people stay slim.
Yahoo! Health
Clinical trials of low-carbohydrate diets show a greater weight loss at six months than low-fat and reduced calorie approaches in obese patients. But by 12 months there was no difference in the two groups.
“There is no clear evidence that Atkins-style diets are better than any others for helping people stay slim, despite the popularity and apparent success of the Atkins diet,” said Professor Arne Astrup of RVA University in Copenhagen, Denmark. ”
What we really are seeing here is that there is no substitute for a good diet, willpower and exercise. Sometimes it is easier said then done.
Actually, South Beach is healthier than Atkins (because it promotes less fat and distinguishes between good and bad carbs) but low-carb diets do have their place, esp. with diabetics. And they are good for the heart.