Dr Jenkins says the Atkins diet is not the safest one to follow

Dr Gill Jenkins, 45, was one of three doctors who followed the controversial Atkins diet for BBC One's Real Story. Here, she explains why she will not be continuing with the high protein, low carb weight loss programme.

As a part-time GP and health writer with an interest in weight management, the Atkins diet has posed debates into which I could drop no personal experience.

So with a stone and a half to lose and contemplating liberal amounts of steak and cheese, I was keen to try it.

My concerns ranged from the social to the heavily serious.

Hunger suppressed

Would I get bad breath and constipation? Would I be in a fit state to look after my patients in general practice and on the international air ambulance service for whom I also work?

All pilots know they cannot fly if not physically fit and I didn't fancy missing out on my exciting hobby. So, from the first breakfast of scrambled eggs through to the last airfield canteen fry up I monitored my health closely.

The good side? I lost 7 lbs - not bad in four weeks but no more than I would lose on a low fat/high fibre diet which I know is healthy and adaptable.

My children waved fresh fruit and vegetables at me in mystification at why, after years of extolling their virtues, they were suddenly 'wrong!'

I ate reasonable amounts of the limited choice of foods, the high protein intake suppressing any hunger pangs, and I was fine to both work and fly my aircraft without any lapse in concentration or excessive mental tiredness.

At home, with the family, we adapted our meals to suit: Fresh fish, meat, and salad of every sort, cream in my coffee and even cheese.

My children waved fresh fruit and vegetables at me in mystification at why, after years of extolling their virtues, they were suddenly "wrong!"

The down side? Constipation, boredom and distaste for the high fat levels in the diet (especially at breakfast), expensive shopping bills and no flexibility.

High cholesterol

Travelling with the air ambulance service usually means experiencing delicious local food on overnight stops but how painful to be in Italy and denied pasta, pizza, wine or ice cream!

Physically, I did feel slightly tired with reduced stamina, though this may have been my excuse for the kids beating me each time at racquetball.

The most serious problem was that on testing my blood, my cholesterol, previously normal, had shot up to a dangerous level.

This was a worrying feature of the Atkins regime and I could not justify continuing with it when safer options exist.