Supporters and detractors of the popular Atkins diet have recently engaged in numerous arguments in the media. I will try to summarize the pros and cons of the diet so you can make a decision for yourself.

First let's examine the facts quickly. Unsurprisingly, it's estimated that over 40 million American are deciding to choose low carb style diets in their bids to lose weight. Companies and marketers have been making a killing in profits targeting people who have chose this dietary change, by releasing well over 500 products that include the no carb or low carb label.

That must mean it works, right? Yes and no, experts have debated the long term effects on health and come to the conclusion that low carbs diets such as Atkins can be risky business, especially if you're over 40.

The Atkins diet, is a low carb and sugar diet believing that these two combined is the leading cause of weight gain. Despite the confusion caused by much misinformation, it has been determined that a significant factor in the obesity problem in America is the mixing of saturated fats with sugary carbohydrates made with refined sugar.

The principle is that carbs raise blood sugar levels and then trigger insulin production, in which the insulin directed those refined sugars into your cells, preventing the burning of fat. So, the theory was that if we cut the carbs, the body would use these sugars as it's primary source of fuel, and the body would start burning fat for energy instead.

Atkins also recommends against eating sugar, of which he does not approve. People following the Atkins diet are allowed to eat a lot of fat and protein, rather than consuming carbs and sugar. Animal proteins are specifically recommended in the Atkins diet, and those who do not eat meat or animal products will have difficulties following it.

The bad news, not only does the body begin to shed fat, but lean muscle as well. This tissue is required to maintain a higher metabolism. In addition, the body's reserves of water are unloaded as the body tries to extract nutrients formerly provided by carbohydrate ingestion. Ketones are produced when the body burns large amounts of fats without a sufficient supply of carbohydrates.

Some possible side effects of Ketones could be head aches, dizzyness, dehydration, bad breath and vomitting. Due to the fuel from carb sugars, the brain can lost it's primary source as well a long term you can add bone loss, muscle breakdown and kidney disease to the picture, therefore can result in a brain damage and increased risk of a heart attack.

In spite of everything, if you want to lose your fat weight you should really try this effective diet. Checking with your doctor and doing research are good tools to use before starting any diet.