The Atkins Diet has been around for 30 years but has recently gained much popularity. Dr Atkins' New Diet Revolution recommends reducing carbohydrates in the diet because, according to Atkins, carbohydrates raise blood sugar levels in the diet and increase the production of insulin. Atkins says that when the body produces too much insulin, the body stores carbohydrates as fat.

However, excess insulin is not caused by eating too many carbohydrates but by being overweight, which is a result of consuming too many total calories and doing little physical activity.

Part of Atkins' low-carbohydrate approach involves the process of ketosis – the overproduction of ketones, a by-product of fat metabolism. According to Atkins, when there are less carbohydrates for the body to use as fuel, ketosis encourages the body to burn fat. Ketosis is an unhealthy condition that can damage the kidneys and is associated with diabetes.

What do you eat on this plan?
The Atkins Diet encourages the consumption of proteins and fats with minimal carbohydrates. This means that, on the plan, you could have sausages and eggs for breakfast and a hamburger, without the bun, for lunch. Dinner could include a steak and salad, without potato or other high-carbohydrate vegetables.

For many people, the plan is an invitation to gorge on fats and proteins. There is, however, a list of foods in the book that are off-limits and many people find that it is incredibly difficult to stay with a program that doesn't include carbohydrates.

Ultimately, the diet provides 1200 to 1500 calories, the amount recommended by experts for a weight loss of one to two pounds per week. However, many dieters see a more dramatic weight loss in the initial stages because of heavy fluid losses.

What's the verdict?
The jury has been out on the Atkins Diet for a while now. One recent study suggested that a small number of obese women were more successful at losing weight on this plan than a low-fat diet. However, the women had difficulty sticking with the program over the long-term. Larger studies are required for more conclusive clinical evidence.

Eliminating or radically reducing one group of nutrients, such as carbohydrates, from the diet can have ongoing negative health consequences. Reduction of carbohydrates can result in a lack of energy or fatigue. Not enough fiber in the diet can cause constipation. The Atkins Diet recommends treating constipation with laxatives (not something that we at CalorieKing.com would recommend). Skipping fruit or vegetables also means that you are missing out on vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, all of which are essential for good health.

The Calorie King says: Give this a diet miss if you want to look after your long-term health. Eating a diet high in fat while eliminating or severely restricting whole grains, nutrient- rich fruits and vegetables is not a healthy practice. Additionally, when you deprive yourself of basic nutrients and taste sensations, your mind and body rebel and a rebound in binge eating episodes can occur.