Protein Diet Draws Criticism
ADA Calls It 'A Nightmare Of A Diet'
ATLANTA, Posted 12:05 p.m. October 18, 1999 -- Those popular high-protein, low-carbohydrate diets are under attack at this week's meeting of the American Dietetic Association. Many dietitians and health experts say the diets are an unhealthy fad and the weight loss is temporary.
Association spokeswoman Kathleen Zelman calls it "a nightmare of a diet." She and other health experts say the diet is unhealthy, and may increase cholesterol levels, cause kidney problems and possibly a loss of calcium in the bones.
The low-carb diet was first touted by Doctor Robert Atkins more than 20 years ago.
Its popularity in the 90's has been attributed to his latest book "Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution," currently the best-selling mass market paperback in the country.
Related stories:
- October 06, 1999: Atkins Diet: Readers React
- October 05, 1999: Paging Dr. Atkins...!
