Atkins Diet Ranks Last In Review

SEATTLE - For the first time ever, Consumer Reports has rated commercial diet programs. Weight Watchers topped the list, while the Atkins diet came out at the bottom.

Senior Editor Nancy Metcalf says Atkins works "very well in the short term," but she calls the diet "very restrictive" and "nutritionally imbalanced."

"It receives about 60 percent of calories from fat, which is almost twice what the average American has in their diet ordinarily, and for that reason our medical consultants have some real reservations about staying on the diet long-term."

Atkins disputes Consumer Reports conclusions. They say the Atkins diet includes lots of fruits and vegetables, and whole grains and as a result, meets the new food pyramid guidelines.

Consumer Reports says Atkins and other high-protein diets, such as The Zone, are safe to use for 6 months, unless you have kidney problems. Metcalf points out that the Zone...another high-protein diet is "considerably lower in fat" than Atkins.

The Zone rated third best on Consumer Reports' list.

In case you're wondering, Slim-Fast came in at # 2. "It is surprisingly quite well-balanced nutritionally," Metcalf says.

"The weight loss early on is excellent." The problem with Slim-Fast, she says, is that people get tired of it and drop off the program.

For More Information:

Consumer Reports Rates Diet Plans

Weight Watchers, Slim-Fast Tops Diets