The Atkins diet: too good to be true? The American population is large. Worse still, we are getting fat. For many years, a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or more (weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared) was the standard criterion for overweight, and a BMI of 30 or more was the criterion for obesity. This means that more than a third of American adults are overweight. In recent years, the criteria has been reduced to a BMI of 25 or more to be considered overweight, with the criteria for obesity remaining the same. Today, more than 50% of American adults are considered overweight. Interestingly, as the number of overweight people skyrockets, so does the number of diets Americans are willing to try in their search for the standard of thinness that our culture idolizes. One of the most popular diets, and many claim success, is the Atkins protein diet, named after its founder and guru, Dr. Robert C. Atkins. With more than six million copies in print, Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution proclaims itself "the incredible no-hunger weight loss plan that has helped millions of people lose weight and keep it off" (Atkins). Sounds good, but what is this diet, and is it too good to be true? How does the diet work? The goal of the Atkins diet is to change metabolism and lose weight easily by eating rich foods. in protein and limiting protein-rich foods. carbohydrates, which tend to increase blood sugar the most. The diet works on the principle of ketosis – the process by which excess stored body fat (the body's secondary energy source) is burned, leading to weight loss. A general understanding of the body's natural energy system helps understand Atkins' reasoning. Diets rich in...... middle of paper ...... National Cholesterol Education Program and the American Cancer Society which endorse a diet consisting of 10 to 15% protein, 55 to 60% carbohydrates, and 25 to 30% fat. The whole process of ketosis is suspect and can cause fatigue, nausea and lead to dehydration and loss of potassium, which can consequently affect heart function. Other less serious symptoms of a keto diet are general fatigue, sudden or increasing weakness, dull headache, abdominal pain, rapid breathing, nausea and vomiting, and bad breath. A lifestyle of daily exercise and a balanced diet is a diet that will never go out of style. The weight may not miraculously melt away, as diets like Atkins claim, but it is more likely that in 5 years you will maintain whatever weight loss you have, and be healthier in the process...