Comments on: Stanford Researchers Confirm Atkins Diet Best For Weight Loss, Improved Health

By: Bonnie Matlow

Bonnie Matlow — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 14:15:34 +0000

Matt was misinformed about using as an example Dr. Layman’s study when he said “the study by Layman, J. Nutr. 135:1903-1910, August 2005, subjects on the low-carb diet with no exercise LOST LEAN MASS.” This study does not examine a weight loss approach anywhere near the Atkins diet.
In its report it stated “The CHO diet provided dietary protein at 0.8 g/(kg · d) (15% of energy intake) with a carbohydrates:protein ratio > 3.5 and dietary lipids at 30% energy intake. The PRO diet provided dietary protein at 1.6 g/(kg · d) (30% of energy intake) with a carbohydrate:protein ratio < 1.5 and dietary lipids at 30% energy intake. These diets were designed to fall within the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range established by the Institute of Medicine (23) with minimum Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) intakes for carbohydrates = 130 g/d and protein = 0.8 g/kg and with upper limits for carbohydrates < 65% and protein < 35% of total energy intake. The 2 diets were formulated to be equal in energy (7100 kJ/d; 1700 kcal/d), total fat intake (57 g/d) and fiber (17 g/d). " A diet with 30% of its calories as carbohydrate is NOT of a level to qualify as an Atkins diet and is considered within AMDR limits. This means the lower carb dieters did not get enough protein that an Atkins dieter would get.

By: Jimmy Moore

Jimmy Moore — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 04:10:00 +0000

I agree, Gloriana, which is why I wrote this blog post asking that very same question. The researchers say they don't force their study participants to remain on the diet strictly which to me proves nothing. Make them stay at 20-30g carbohydrates over a long period of time and that 10-pound weight loss easily becomes 100.

By: Gloriana

Gloriana — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 00:33:00 +0000

There is one element to this study – and others I have seen related to low carb – which totally puzzles me. Why is there no significant weight loss? Heavens, I would say a weight loss of ten pounds during INDUCTION is not unusual. I was first attracted to Atkins when a co-worker of mine lost 120 pounds, then a friend lost 30 in two months.

I only lost a little over 60 pounds in a year, but that is not bad for a menopausal woman. I still am far from goal, but, though I’ve had plateau problems beyond the first year, I never had the slightest problem with gaining. I by no means have iron will power – it took eliminating starches and sugar for cravings to disappear.

As well, those in this study were hardly ‘doing low carb’ at all. Fifty grams of carbs is too high for most women – raising them to 150 grams is infuriating, because it guarantees weight gain – and this man’s idea of 40 PERCENT intake of carbs, not forty grams, is a recipe for failure.

Yet this is not an isolated instance. Are there ANY medical studies (as opposed to our experience – which would show loss of probably a minimum of 50 pounds a year) which show significant weight loss?

By: Jimmy Moore

Jimmy Moore — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 02:20:00 +0000

Robert, I don’t buy into the PH balance theory, although there may be a minimal causal effect. If what you believe about the acidity of consuming meat and dairy products is true, then it would run counteractive to a low-carbohydrate nutritional approach. Those participants would not lose weight and would be extremely unhealthy. But that is just not the case.

I agree that we are supersized with larger and larger portions of (mostly high-carb) food and we could stand to move and wiggle more than we do. But I’m not about to cut back on my own personal meat consumption because it got me to where I am today.

By: Robert

Robert — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 02:06:00 +0000

Interesting. I am curious however. Are you familiar with the PH balance theory? Where an over acidic or over alkaline condition in the body has been shown to lead to almost every malady known to man, including obesity? As you are probably aware, meat and most dairy products, when digested by the body, are highly acidic. While I do enjoy meat from time to time, I think a balance is in order here, through the consumption of a variety of healthy foods. The main problem today is that we are “supersized” to death, stressed out, with little time for exercise. Quantity over Quality has become the montra. Just curious what your take is on this. Thank you.

By: Valerie Jacobsen

Valerie Jacobsen — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 04:21:00 +0000

Dr. Acocella, I just found this post when I was doing a Google search. I suppose I am far too late for any discussion, but....

Did you read the full study? Do you know if the authors controlled for body weight?

I'm trying to think of possible etiologies for an increased risk of death with a decreased intake of carbohydrate.

The only thing that comes quickly to mind is the inreased prevalence of obesity in the low carb community.

An association is not a cause. What do you think?