Research

In this section, read over 150 peer-reviewed studies from major scientific publications that support the principles of the Atkins Diet. The abstract is listed for review, as well as a link to the full publication on PubMed. If you’re looking for a specific topic, use the search box below.

Effect of a Low-Carbohydrate Diet on Appetite, Blood Glucose Levels, and Insulin Resistance in Obese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

In a small group of obese patients with type 2 diabetes, a low-carbohydrate diet followed for 2 weeks resulted in spontaneous reduction in energy intake to a level appropriate to their height; weight loss that was completely accounted for by reduced caloric intake; much improved 24-hour blood glucose profiles, insulin sensitivity, and hemoglobin A1c; and Read More

Dietary carbohydrate restriction improves insulin sensitivity, blood pressure, microvascular function, and cellular adhesion markers in individuals taking statins

The results of this study suggest that a CRD could be a sustainable lifestyle that complements statin treatment to improve overall cardiometabolic risk, particularly for individuals with other risk factors indicative of metabolic syndrome, but future research is needed to determine the effects over a longer period of time. Read More

A Pilot Trial With Modified Atkins’ Diet in Adult Patients With Refractory Epilepsy

This pilot study shows that the modified Atkins’ diet is feasible in an adult population, and that seizure frequency reduction is possible. The results need to be confirmed in larger prospective, controlled studies with comparison groups. Read More

Long-term follow-up of children treated with the modified Atkins diet.

At their most recent point during the modified Atkins diet (mean 19.9 months), 30 of 54 (55%) children with diet durations of more than 6 months achieved >50% improvement; 19 (35%) were seizure-free. Read More

Urinary Ketones Reflect Serum Ketone Concentration But Do Not Relate to Weight Loss in Overweight Premenopausal Women Following a Low-carbohydrate/High-protein Diet

Thirteen overweight premenopausal women aged 32 to 45 years consumed <20 g carbohydrate/day with liberal intakes of protein and fat for 2 weeks; thereafter, carbohydrate intake increased 5 g/week for 10 weeks. Serum-hydroxybutyrate was correlated with presence of urinary ketones, but no relationship was found between weekly weight change and serum ketone production. Urinary ketones Read More

Short-Term Effects of Severe Dietary Carbohydrate-Restriction Advice in Type 2 Diabetes–a Randomized Controlled Trial

Weight loss and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio improved was greater in the low-carbohydrate (LC) group over low fat group. Carbohydrate restriction was an effective method of achieving short-term weight loss compared with standard advice. Read More

Comparison of the Atkins, Ornish, Weight Watchers, and Zone Diets for Weight Loss and Heart Disease Risk Reduction

Each popular diet modestly reduced body weight and several cardiac risk factors at 1 year. Overall dietary adherence rates were low, although increased adherence was associated with greater weight loss and cardiac risk factor reductions for each diet group. Read More

Ketogenic Diet Modifies The Risk Factors of Heart Disease in Obese Patients

The level of total cholesterol decreased from week 1 to week 12. HDL cholesterol increased significantly, whereas LDL cholesterol decreased significantly. The purpose of this study was to investigate the long-term effect of a ketogenic diet on the activation and modification of heart disease risk factors in obese patients. Read More

Long Term Effects of a Ketogenic Diet in Obese Patients

The present study shows the beneficial effects of a long-term ketogenic diet. It significantly reduced the body weight and body mass index of the patients. Furthermore, it decreased the level of triglycerides, LDL cholesterol and blood glucose, and increased the level of HDL cholesterol. Administering a ketogenic diet for a relatively longer period of time Read More

Comparative Study of the Effects of a 1-Year Dietary Intervention of a Low-Carbohydrate Diet Versus a Low-Fat Diet on Weight and Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes

Among patients with type 2 diabetes, after 1 year a low-carbohydrate diet had effects on weight and A1C similar to those seen with a low-fat diet. There was no significant effect on blood pressure, but the low-carbohydrate diet produced a greater increase in HDL cholesterol. Weight loss occurred faster in the low-carbohydrate group than in Read More