Weight loss

The Atkins Diet says that you can lose a large amount of weight in the first two weeks of phase 1 — but it also states that those aren't typical results. The Atkins Diet also notes that you may lose water weight at first. It says that you'll keep losing weight in phases 2 and 3 as long as you don't eat more carbs than your body can tolerate.

Most people can lose weight on almost any diet plan that restricts calories — at least in the short term. Over the long term, though, studies show that low-carb diets like the Atkins Diet are no more effective for weight loss than are standard weight-loss diets. And studies find that most people regain the weight they lost no matter which diet plan they used.

Because carbs usually provide over half of calories consumed, the main reason for weight loss on the Atkins Diet is lower overall calorie intake from eating less carbs. Some studies suggest that there are other reasons for weight loss with the Atkins Diet. You may shed pounds because your food choices are limited. And you eat less since the extra protein and fat keep you feeling full longer. Both of these effects also contribute to lower overall calorie intake.