Fact: The leading experts do not recommend high protein, low carbohydrate diets. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, American Heart Association, American Dietitic Association, American Medical Association and many others have all released public statements warning against these diets.

Fact: These diets pose a risk to your health. Eating too few carbohydrates can cause partially broken-down fats to build up in your blood, which has been associated with increased risk for painful gout and kidney stones. High-fat and high-protein diets may also put you at risk of heart disease .

Fact: Your quality of life may suffer on this diet. Not eating enough carbohydrates can cause fatigue, nausea, headaches, dizziness and . Not getting enough dietary fiber can also cause constipation and diarrhea.

Fact: These diets may be less effective than a nutritionally balanced diet. Although some on this diet do lose weight at first, much of the weight is within a year. The weight lost on low carb diets tend to be water weight, which is quickly gained back, and muscle mass, which actually ends up making it harder to burn calories to lose weight.

Conclusion: A high protein, low carbohydrate diet is simply not a healthy and sustainable diet. Experts recommend losing weight steadily (1/2 to 2 pounds a week) with a traditional low-calorie balanced diet.

Please keep in mind that no general article can be a substitute for professional medical advice. Ask your doctor if and how this information pertains to your health.