UK Doctors Putting Children on Atkins Diet : LC Research/Media : Active Low-Carber Forums

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CindySue48

Mon, Mar-15-04, 18:38

Professor Peto said the Atkins diet, which involves eating lots of meat and other high protein foods, while restricting carbohydrates, worked because proteins suppressed the appetite and people did not eat as much.

"I am sure the Atkins wasn't developed on this basis but that is why it works," he said.

"The levels of salt and fat are anything but healthy but the basis of the diet - which is low carbohydrate and high protein - is ideal for losing weight."

Health fears

Opponents of Atkins-style diets claim that, over the long term, they can cause kidney damage, thin bones and constipation, raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of diabetes and an early heart attack.

We realise obesity is a major problem which we need to tackle as a matter of urgency but I would be very concerned about advising children to follow diets like Atkins

Dr Toni Steer, Medical Research Council
But some British doctors are already putting obese children on Atkins-style diets.

Dr Dee Dawson, medical director at Rhodes Farm Clinic, a residential home for treatment of children with eating disorders, says the diet is good for children.

"The children who come here are not just overweight, they are ill, and in danger of dying. Some of them can't breathe and some of them can't lie down.

"I do think the basis of Atkins - low carbohydrate and high protein - is a good diet for children and the priority is for these children to get weight off."

Well, it's still not a very positive article! This to me is a "they're going to die anyway, so let's try this. We know it does cause weight loss....and we can always give them statins when they need it" type of response!!!!!!

Wouldn't it be great if these kids stuck with it and grew up to have LESS diabetes, heart disease, etc! Unfortunately I bet they take them off it once they hit a lower, less dangerous level!