The theory behind the Atkins weight loss system is that the body burns carbohydrates as its source of energy before is begins to burn fat. When you lower your carbohydrate intake, your body will burn fat more readily through a process called ketosis.

History

In 1972, Dr. Robert Atkins, a cardiologist, introduced his low-carbohydrate diet. He declared that a diet high in carbohydrate and sugar causes conditions such as diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure.

Phase One

The Atkins diet consists of four separate phases. You will stay on phase one, the induction phase, for two weeks and consume no more than 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Phase Two

In phase two, also know as "OWL," or ongoing weight loss, you increase your carbohydrate intake by five grams per day. You will stay on phase two until you reach within 10 pounds of your ideal weight.

Phase Three

You should lose weight, but more slowly in phase three. You will incorporate more carbohydrates into your eating plan and you may lose up to two pounds per month.

Phase Four

Named the maintenance phase, part four of the Atkins weight loss system is designed to prevent you from regaining the weight you have lost. By ingesting only the amount of carbohydrate needed to sustain your ideal weight, this phase is meant to be a lifelong eating regimen.

Considerations

According to the American Heart Association, weight loss programs that encourage low carbohydrate intake coupled with high protein and fat consumption can cause liver and kidney damage in some individuals and may lead to stroke, heart disease and some cancers (see resources).

Source:

Four phases of the Atkins Diet

Diet study results

American Heart Association diet advice