(U-WIRE) UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Lately, one of the hottest weight loss plans is the high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet.
There are many variations of this plan, one being the Zone. The most famous and strict of these is known as the Atkins diet, which is named after Dr. Robert Atkins.
The Atkins diet recommends its users eat no more than 15 to 60 grams of carbohydrates per day depending on the individual. This is dramatically lower than what is recommended by the American Heart Association, which recommends a total of 300 grams per day.
"This diet is just a ploy. If it weren't, all doctors would recommend it to their patients, research would focus on it and all other diets would be off the market," said Melissa Martilotta, Penn State's University Health Services clinical nutrition instructor. "You can't sell the food pyramid because money can't be made off of it."
Despite its current popularity, the diet has been around since the early 1960s. In his 1992 book, Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution, Atkins contends that by restricting carbohydrate intake, further glucose or sugars are not added to the body's metabolism. In the book, he says insulin converts excess carbohydrates into body fat and by eliminating carbohydrate intake, the creation of body fat will also cease.
By limiting carbohydrates, the body is forced to use an alternative method for calories or fuel -- protein.
Martilotta said that by using protein as energy, high amounts of waste are secreted. The kidneys can be damaged due to being overworked and waste can back up into the bloodstream, raising the risk of gout. In women, excessive amounts of protein can lead to osteoporosis.
"My roommate was on the high-protein diet. She lost a lot of weight, but I don't think it was a healthy way to do it," said Rachel McCullough (junior-advertising and public relations).
Martilotta said people should only stay on the diet for a short time period.
"Most doctors do not recommend staying on the diet for any more than a month to six weeks. It can be fatal in some cases for people over the age of 40," Martilotta said.
Foods high in protein such as meats and cheeses are also high in fat content. These foods cause high cholesterol to accumulate in the blood if eaten in excess, Martilotta said.
By eliminating fruits, vegetables, breads and cereals from one's diet, a person reduces calorie intake, resulting in a negative calorie balance and, therefore, weight loss, Martilotta said. She added it also reduces the intake of fiber and essential vitamins and minerals.
Martilotta said most of the weight lost while on this diet is of water and muscle. Once someone goes back to eating normal foods, the weight will return, she said.
However, Kim Miller (junior-finance) said the high-protein diet has worked for her.
"I lost 10 pounds over the course of the summer, and so far I've managed to keep most of the weight off," she said.
Martilotta said she advises anyone wishing to lose weight to accept there is no quick fix. Most successful diets require permanent lifestyle changes. She compared the change in lifestyle to quitting smoking or drinking alcohol, but said this change is harder because a person cannot take food away altogether.
"You have to learn how to eat and exercise for health," she added.
