Low Carb fad

[DivePartner1]

Sooo.. did anyone else besides me catch the bit on the news this morning [/url]

This is the same study reported in the Wall Street Journal article quoted above.

 

[headhunter]

Sooo.. did anyone else besides me catch the bit on the news this morning about the low fat diet vs. atkins study? I found it amusing that only in the first 6 months were the weight loss differences dramatic in favor of atkins. At 12 months, they were virtually equal, the low fat being slower over time but equal in the end. Personally, I'm staying away from faddish diets, I've seen the detrimental health effects they have on folks in the long run... I've got enough to worry about through the geneology in my family without throwing in an unpredicable long term variable.


http://my.webmd.com/content/article...edguid={5FE84E90-BC77-4056-A91C-9531713CA348}

That was an interesting read. Thank you for the URL.

One interesting quote from the article you site that would support a benefit to following a low carb diet is this:

"Bottom line: The low-carb group had a direct improvement in triglyceride, HDL cholesterol, and blood sugar control in the volunteers with diabetes, he writes."

Therefore, it seems that, in general, this would be a better tool for battling against the health issues that are handed down to us in the form of family history than what is thought of as a conventional diet.

Also, I notice that a few people in this thread have referred to this as a "fad" diet. I don't think this falls into the category of a fad diet, because the concept of a "low carb" diet has been well researched and documented since the 1950s.

Here is a slightly paraphrased quote from the book by Dr. Atkins. "In the '50s and '60s much of this research was done by two British researchers, Professor Alan Kekwick and Dr. Gaton L. S. Pawan. At that time they were in the top echelon of British obesity research, both serving as chairmen of many international conferences. Professor Kekwick was Director of the Institute of Clinical Research and Experimental medicine at London's prestigious Middlesex Hospital, and Dr. Pawan was the Senior Research Biochemist of that hospital's medical unit."

So, research on a low carb diet has spanned 6 decades. I think that this would constitute a long enough period of time to have seen the "detrimental health effects that they have on folks in the long run..." I don't mean to take your comment out of context and realize that you were referring to all fad diets here and I would agree with your comment in reference to fad diets in general. I just don't think this would fall into that category, since it has now been well researched and documented for many years.

Just another of my 2 cents on the subject.

Christian

 

[diverrick]

I started the lowcarb diet after thanksgiving. I plannedon losing 30 lbs. So far I have lost 20. My body seems to be rebelling at that weight. That is with out extra exercise, above what I normally exert, and fudging a bit, now that I am into OWL phase. My extreme hip pains that I had suffered from have gone away, and the wife likes the look as well ;-)

 

[gt2003]

Oh my god, I just wrote a huge reply and it erased itself when I hit backspace. Jeezum crow! One more time....Obviously I'm not a proponent of the diet. But, did anyone catch the news reports after Dr. Atkins passed away that said at the time of his death he was approximately 75 #'s overweight with extensive heart disease. His "camp" said it had nothing to do with the diet but I don't think many others would agree. A diet similar to Atkins used to be recommended for people with diabetes. But, the patients kept dying from heart disease so the diet had to be changed. Case in point, I'm a dietitian and when I was doing my internship I had a patient with diabetes who I was talking with about his diet. He told me "the doctor told me not to eat anything with any type of sugar in it and thats what I'm going to do". I explained that was not the current diet recommendations but he insisted. I nicely told him he was greatly increasing his risk of heart disease but he insisted on following the diet he wanted. To make a long story short I saw the same guy a few months later after a quadruple bypass and HE STILL WOULDN"T CHANGE HIS DIET. I know some of you love the diet and thats your choice. I would suggest something similar to the south beach or the "lifetime" version of the Atkins if you insist on something low carb. You need a great variety of foods for your body to obtain all the nutrients you need. Cut out the empty calories, consume lean meats, whole grains and plenty of fruits and vegetables and you'll be on the right path. Keep up the weight loss efforts. We may disagree but we all have the same goal. Good Luck!

 

[JimC]

Interesting factoid about "a great variety of foods".

I absolutly agree, but in North America something like 90% of our food intake consists of the following:

Beef, Pork, Chicken, Dairy, Egg, Wheat, Corn, Sugar, Potato

When most people think of variety they think, spicy fries instead of currly...

 

[gt2003]

LOL, you hit the nail on the head. We have a big problem with our younger population of 15-30 year olds in the hospital, they don't want a balanced diet. They want chicken strips, fries etc. I can see why obesity is running rampant in our society. I'm glad many of us have made the decision to be as healthy as we can be. I know I feel 100% better when I'm eating right and exercising. Continued good luck to everyone. Greg (PS - yes, I know we're not in a hospital, just sharing my experiences!)

 

[DivePartner1]

A veggan advocacy group published autopsy reports that he weighed 258 at the time of death after spending weeks in the hospital in a coma from a head injury. His wife says he weigned 200 at the time of the injury. See Urban Legengs: http://www.snopes.com/medical/doctor/atkins.asp

I've read elsewhere that a criminal investigation had been intiated to determine how the anti-Atkins groups had acquired hospital records without the hospitals or next of kins consent.

 

[gt2003]

I've seen some significant weight gains causes by fluid in the hospital setting but nothing near 58 #'s. I seriously doubt that the physicians would have let the weight gain continue at such a rapid rate without giving him something to get rid of at least some of the fluid. From what I recall it was approximately 2 weeks between his accident and his passing away (anyone else remember, help me out here). I will also tell you from working in a hospital that although his admit papers say 195 #'s that doesn't mean thats true. Many times the nurse will ask the pt. (not in this case obviously) or the family what the pt. weighs and write that down instead of actually weighing the patient. Many times when the patient is actually weighed they weigh much more than what was originally reported. It would be interesting to see actual weights taken by maybe a bed scale in ICU when he was there to see their first weight on him. Just thought it was interesting that he suffered from heart disease, hypertension and congestive heart failure prior to his death and none was supposed to be caused by diet. If you choose to believe that then go right on ahead. Its just a little to hard for me to swallow. I doubt you would get the same opinion from any cardiologist either. Once again, just my 2 cents worth with a little experience to back it up. Take it for what its worth. Greg

 

[Timothy Randall]

Must admit I didn't read all the posts, but wanted to comment. I have lost 25 lbs from my high of 203 in the past 4 months. (obviously that is not a record) What I want to say is it takes "motivation", "a reason" and then a goal to make any thing happen.

In November I went to the doctor (age 51) cause my insurance (self employeed) was just raised out of sight and I was being forced to get only Catrotrophic insurance. (that was my motivation) to use the remaining coverage for the complete physical and blood work up. To put it short, the results showed I had high blood pressure, colestrol out of sight and that I was overweight for my height.

Well I decided to loose weight, (heck my dry suit was a little tight anyway) Motivation- I had heard of the "low carb diets" and so I decided that I could do that?

I just knocked off the Chez-its, and the potatoes/pastas and "all processesed food. I also started filling large bottles of water (great well water at home) and also knocked off "all" processed sugar. I told my wife I would be diving at least 2 dives every ten days or more! and I also told her I would get to those "left behind" outdoor unfinished projects. (motivation to go diving more)

The business I operate also markets a nutrition products line that includes "Energy Drinks )8 calories, no sugar and no carbs, and Protein bars, and 'Meal Replacement bars.

I started replacing snacks (if any with a handful of walnuts, and or a protein bar (piece) and the everpresent jug of water.)

It is now 5 months later and my blood pressure is down to "normal", my chlorestrol is scheduled to be retested-- and I have lost 25 lbs and have had no trouble keeping it off. (Diet is a habit) I am not "working out" in a gymn, only occasional stretching exercises and what it takes to don and doff the dive gear (Oh yeh, I did have to re-rig my BP harness and drop another 5 lbs from my weight belt.

My wardrobe is too big, (fun to hear the comments from old friends that notice the weight lose)

It is not a fad, it is a matter of Life or death, and Diving, family and living is my "life".

See ya on the bottom!

Tim

 

[Blitz]

I was just wondering what everyone thinks about the whole low carb diet that seems to be everywhere. Personally I can see where it might work for some, but not me. I work out 3 days a week (if not more when I can find the time). Plus, I'm a full time engineering student, and work part time job. I always crave carbohydrates. My fiancee says its because I'm so active, but I'm not sure. What do you guys think?

I run 3 days a week and follow it up with a weight routine. On the off days, I dive and hike so I am pretty active. If you don't take in carbs your performance and energy levels go down. In other words, you'll bonk. I dive in cold water so the carbs give me warmth as well as the energy that I need to do the rest of my excercise. I would say tht you need a subastantial amount of carbs to keep you moving. The Low Carb thing is ok to get the ball rolling for an inial weight loss, but if you aren't looking to lose weight and you are active, you need to carbs.