A 45-year-old man, Ahmad, smiled with satisfaction as he stepped out of a diet clinic in Kuala Lumpur. Within three months, his weight dropped by 15 kilograms—a feat that was once considered impossible.
"I tried various methods, but the Atkins diet was truly effective," he said, showing a food journal filled with high-fat, low-carb meals.
Origin of the Atkins Diet
The Atkins diet was introduced by Dr. Robert Atkins, an American cardiologist, in 1972. He argued that high carbohydrate intake caused insulin resistance and obesity. Instead, a diet rich in protein and fat—while limiting carbohydrates—could force the body to burn fat as its primary energy source.
This approach received warm reception, especially when many celebrities admitted success in losing weight. However, it also sparked controversy among nutrition experts who considered it a "fad diet" that was unbalanced.
Fat-Burning Mechanism
The main principle of the Atkins diet is drastically reducing carbohydrate intake—usually below 20 grams per day in the initial phase. Without carbohydrates, the body enters a state of ketosis, where fat is broken down into ketones for fuel.
Patients like Ahmad found that this diet naturally reduced their appetite. "I rarely feel hungry, and my energy remains consistent throughout the day," he said. However, many are unaware that the initial phase often comes with side effects such as fatigue, constipation, and bad breath.
Criticism from Experts
The Malaysian Nutrition Association, through its president Prof. Dr. Zainal Arifin, emphasized that the Atkins diet is not suitable for everyone. "A strict low-carb diet can cause deficiencies in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It also increases the burden on the kidneys due to high protein intake," he stated in an interview.
He added that rapid weight loss is often temporary. "When someone returns to a normal eating pattern, the weight will come back—possibly even higher than before," he explained.
Recent Studies
Although there are criticisms, some studies show that the Atkins diet can offer short-term benefits. A study published in the *New England Journal of Medicine* in 2003 found that participants following the Atkins diet lost more weight over six months compared to those on a conventional low-fat diet.
However, follow-up studies found that after one year, the difference between the two groups was no longer significant. This suggests that long-term adherence is the key factor, not just the type of diet.
Safety and Practice
For those interested in trying the Atkins diet, experts recommend consulting a doctor or dietitian first, especially for individuals with kidney disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure.
"Modifying the Atkins diet with a moderate intake of complex carbohydrates may be safer and more sustainable," said Prof. Dr. Zainal.
Ahmad himself admits he plans to switch to a balanced diet after reaching his target weight. "The Atkins diet is an effective tool, but not a permanent solution," he said with a smile.
Conclusion
The Atkins diet remains one of the most popular diets worldwide, with millions of followers claiming success. However, questions about safety and long-term effectiveness remain unanswered. For each individual, dietary choices should be based on personal health needs, not just the promise of quick weight loss.
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*Reference: [Atkins diet — Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atkins_diet)*