I have read the book. Multiple times. As well as Immunology, Pathology, Biochemistry, Physiology, Anotomy, and Nutrition Texts for the last 6 years through my under graduate and graduate studies in Nutritional Sciences. After putting together the information I have gathered, I strongly disagree with Denise. There is so much more in food than "Carbs, Fats, and Protein". More education will be your liberation when it comes to the wonders of food.

Tom A Malterre - Kenmore, WA, USA

I have lost a stone so far on the Atkins Diet! I make homemade burgers with feta and peppers too. My hunger has diminished a lot on this diet and I lose weight much easier than on other diets(which leave you hungry and tempted to binge) I would recommend Atkins to any healthy but overweight person ITS GREAT!

Mrs Lisa Creed - Witham, Essex

I watched the BBC programme the Real Story recently on Atkins and yet again they failed to cover it propery. All 2 of the test cases cheated and the Guy who ended up in hospital couldn't even be bothered to read the book! What kind of medical expert is he if he can't even be bothered to read how to do the thing properly? He also suffered the runs after just 1 day on the diet! I find it difficult to believe than anyone could be affected in such a way after just a few days of an altered diet, and as to being rushed to hospital? Perhaps his chocolate biscuits and champagne had more to do with it? They failed to mention important things like drinking lots or water, taking supplements etc etc. They also failed to mention yet again that there are 4 stages to the diet, even the woman who was successful said she would lose another stone and then change to another less restrictive diet. I notice they posted for people to be involved in the show before it happened, bu! t what happened to those people who replied?

Rob - Leeds

Atkins works & is healthy ! NO TO SUGARS - That is the ultimate enemy. It's a great way to live, no more stuffed and bloated feeling, no more hunger. Great for your health also. Try it and see (but please read the book so you know what you are doing - too many say it doesn't work because they have never read the book and don't eat correctly)

Cindy - USA

I totally agree with Denise. I,too,had a sweet tooth and after only 3 days on the Atkins diet(inductionphase) I found that I was not missing sugar in the slightest. The weight loss has been a redeeming feature as you can literally feel the weight coming off you!

Ryana - Manchester

I believe that we are on the cusp of a dietary catharsis. Consumer demand will change the way things are now instead of slow-to-change medical advice. Seeing hundreds of new low carbohydrate products entering the market gives me a thrill. It is just a matter of time before things change. I predict that the low carb lifestyle will become the defacto standard. Physicians must take a conservative stand due to the high risk of being sued by patients. Let's see some more scientific studies to dispel the myths! The studies conducted so far show that Dr. Atkins was right. I have been following the Atkins diet for six months now and I feel better than I have for years.

Melody Wilson - Falcon, Colorado, US

It is good and is the only one that makes sense as it is a natural diet from natural foods - of course you can eat veg and fruit just smaller quantities which can only be better for the digestion anyway! I had high blood pressure and was on tablets for it - not any longer - I have come off the Atkins diet but would like to go back on it as I did lose one and a half stone but owing to certaain ailments I have, find it difficult and there was no-one in my area (that I knew of who was also on it and I was tired and annoyed by people telling me of the problems - I didnt have any!. Good luck to you Denise - I could do with a boost to put me back on it.

Pauline - Bishops Cleeve, Cheltneham

After being told Iwas fat by my mum I started a wieght trianing program, as I read more about the subject it was clear many people who were in great shape had a low carb diet. The name Atkin was never mentioned, eating little and often is also a powerful fat loss tool. The problem for my wife is lack of choice she tires of endless salads, chicken and tuna. I am looking for new recipes to be eaten cold at work, any ideas? The speed at which carbs in food turns in to sugar is measured on the glycomic index, I opt for a low G.I. foods. I have found a system that realy works for me, I am 34 am in the best shape of my life. I believe processed sugar should be consumed with respect, the same way alcohol is, sure it tastes great but too much will cause health problems.

Adrian Tyler - Chelmsford (town)

I have been a type 1 diabetic for 33 years and lived most of them on a totally sugar free diet. The daily amount of carbohydrates I was originally on makes me shudder now! In the mid 80s I was put onto intensive therapy, injecting for everything you eat, and through that went onto a low(ish) carb diet and lost weight. A well-balanced diet with not too many carbohydrates is fine! I don't agree with the tomato ban, though, as I love them!

Christine - Wark-on-Tweed

I think it is helping me to not crave sweets and i get satisfied with what I have and not so sick with what I felt like after the carbs. i just kept on eating and eating. now i know i don't want them and cant have them or i mess it up.

Carole - Oneonta, NY, USA

If you intend to do Atkins, please read the book first (£7.99 approx). It is worth considering all the information contained in this. Some of the info is quite complex, but you will get a good appreciation of how and why the Atkins' plan works.

Gareth Jones - Aberdare, Mid Glamorgan

I would never have found the truth about Atkins Diet without investigating for myself after reading scaremongering press reports.

I have been following it 3 weeks now and have lost 14 lbs. I feel fit, energetic and er . . . smug!

I am convinced that the 'bad' press, far from deterring people, actually created more interest and more devotees!

Patricia - Norwich

There's been a huge investment in the low-fat, high carb approach and as a result, people have gotten heavier over the years.

All the food producers were literally coerced into low-fat versions of their products and the media jumped right in too.

The reason for the criticism of the Atkins diet is it proves the dietitians wrong and they can't stand that. Sheer arrogance.

I've lost over 40 lbs in a year and a half. My blood pressure is now normal after being elevated, and my cholesterol is back to normal. Two really good side benefits as well as weight loss. And my energy level is great.

I'm 56 years of age. It's funny, but the most ardent critics are those who've never read the Atkins book. Pity.

Gil Adams - Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA

Atkins has saved my life! I no longer need diabetic medication and my once severe hayfever is a thing of the past.

Dr A has made me realise just how much sugar is pumped into processed food and the diet certainly does not have to be high fat.

My eating is the healthiest it's ever been !!!

Stephanie Williams - Birmingham

After two weeks on the Atkins diet I have lost five pounds but have felt badly lacking in energy and my memory has been awful - unable to think straight.

I have had a couple of severe stabbing like headaches and dizziness as well as digestive irritation. I have put this down to perhaps detoxing.

I speed walk for 40 minutes most days but find my legs feel heavy and weak. I am so tired it is unbearable.

However, I am not hungry and do not crave sweet foods or snacking at all. I am determined to stick it out.

I have cheated a few times with my craving for tea with skimmed milk in the mornings and a few evenings of a number of glasses of white wine when with friends. Difficult to do with a responsible and hectic job.

Janice Driver - Walton

The latest government health warning is typical of this kind of comment. They say: high-fat diets lead to obesity...

Given that Atkins causes weight loss in *all* strictly followed instances, how can we lose weight and still become "obese"?

Nutritionists are discrediting themselves through wild sweeping-statements with no research.

Mike - London

I am a heart disease patient, having survived heart attacks at 44 years and 57 years of age.

At the end of February I weighed 201 lbs and started the Atkins diet. I lost 21 lbs in 18 days and my cholesterol levels inproved.

I was especially pleased that my HDL (good) cholesterol went from 40 to 72. The highest I had ever gotten it before was 48, with extreme exercise.

I did have to compensate for constipation, by using psyllium husk, but as I started adding more carbs (fruits and vegetables) after the induction phase, this is no longer needed.

I am now enjoying a peach a day from my tree and all other fruits from my other trees (plumb, pear, and even apple).

I lost a total of 31 lbs and am adusting my carb consumption to maintain body weight.

The eating plan is NOT all meat, as some believe. Most critics have not even read the book and are commenting blindly.

Lee Skabelund - Centerville, UT USA

I totally agree with you Denise. I'm 5''9 and am just under 11 stone.

For lifestyle reasons, I'd kill to be 9.5 stone again. Since I started this Atkins diet, my acne has cleared up.

I have lost half a stone and my bowel movements are better than they were with my former fruit detox diets.

Maya - Chippenham

Is the Atkins diet good or bad? that is the question. The low carbohydrate diet has robbed myself and other members of my family of fat.

We were nicely at the top of the BMI index overweight, now we are in the middle of the healthy BMI index.

Besides that it has stolen our diabetes, lupus, candidis and high blood pressure This is the correct way of eating, natives in any country did not get degenerative diseases, until they ate the WHITE MAN FOOD.

Ray - Sandstone

I was on the Atkins diet for four months and lost 2 1/2 stone. I don't have a sweet tooth and love fish and cheese.

It was a great diet and I felt healthy. I have still managed to keep the weight off by just reducing my carb intake.

Carolyn Waldron - Cam

I'm not large but like to keep toned. The atkins diet is perfect - Ii don't feel hungry and my body feels great!

People think it's terrible because apparently you get bad tummies and cravings and headaches - whatever! You crave sugar etc because you know you can't have it - as with anything you can't have you want. Simple human law!

The only reason they get tummy ache and headache is because they think they can't eat as much as they are allowed -fools! Well, it's fab, that's my verdict!

Sophie - Cardiff

24lbs lost in 12 weeks, enough said. Reading the book is a "MUST".

Joseph Gordon - Darlington

I absolutely agree with Denise! The image of the Atkins diet is that of people slavering over great hunks of meat with grease dripping from their fingers!

Like Denise I eat a lot of fish, chiken, cheese (half-fat sometimes), and am generally sensible in not consuming a massive amount of fat.

If there is a less fat option then I take it. Like Denise I have/had a sweet tooth which has been tamed.

Pauline Phillips, High Wycombe

I endorse everything that Denise says. People haven't read the book.

I suggest it is more to do with the large multi-national slimming meal replacement companies losing money (ie Slimfast, which I love but is hardly normal eating) is far more to do with current headlines that actual medical fact.

Too much sugar in everything has been the cry. Now we eat natural, non-processed food low in sugar and salt and that's wrong!

Wendy Stanbury, Newton Abbot

I agree with everything that Denise has said. I have been following Atkins for four months now and have lost 2 stone 4 lbs.

I have been on many diets before but always struggled to stick to them.

Atkins is easy to follow, you don't feel hungry and I actually eat much healthier food now than when I was overwieght - salads, veg, fruit, unprocessed meat, fish and dairy products now as opposed to processed convenience foods and high sugar/high carbohydrate snacks.

I feel in control of my eating and I am very happy with the diet - and it works!

Every person is different, and low-fat eating doesn't suit me. Low-carbohydrate eating certainly does and I feel great.

Surely I am improving my health by losing weight, and surely my diet of protein, veg & fruit is better than meal replacements!

Melanie Gilbert, Chesterfield

Denise is absolutely right in every respect of her comments.

The press have had a real downer on low carb eating lately but look behind the headlines at the 'experts' and who funds them - the high carb industry trying to recoup their losses.

One point Denise missed though, water consumption should be at least 3 litres a day.

This helps to dilute the ketones, keeps the mouth fresh and helps prevent any constipation.

Otherwise spot on Denise with your article.

Sue Alderson, Nelson, Lancs

It is really incredible just how much mis-information is being spread about the Atkins diet.

It is almost like there are two separate diets - the vegetable-packed, sensible, healthy diet which has worked wonders for me, and the all- protein no fruit or veg myth that only exists in the media for detractors to criticise.

Steven, Telford

It is interesting that critics like Dr Susan Jebb never give any evidence for their remarks, they simply rest on their titles.

Having said that they cannot give advice that contradicts everything written about losing weight to date.

I am a fitness instructor and have had to completely change my mind about this diet. When I analysed it, it simply comes out as very good advice.

Restict the carbs and burn the fat. Exercise helps the process, so do vitiman tabs and lots of fibre.

For me Atkins matches the "balanced diet" requirements except instead of having 319 grams of carbs I now have 100 or less.

I have lost 34 pounds so far and have another 30 pounds to loose so that I am ready for London Marathon 2004 (at age 47).

All the best to the Atkins followers. As for Susan, send her a copy of the book, she clearly has not read it!

Having said that it is a difficult book to read, it took me two weeks before I could even start the diet ... reading the book.

David Clavey, Gloucester

I have been on the Atkins diet for quite some time now. I have lost over 4 stone in weight, and feel absolutely brilliant! However, if anyone is considering this marvelous diet, please read the book first. Everything you need to know is contained therein.

Anthea, Cardiff

Well said, Denise. I agree that many of the people commenting on Atkins show that they have not read the book by revealing their ignorance.

The problem is that many people will take what they say as gospel and not only rubbish Atkins, but also try some cockamamy style of eating!!

My personal experience is that I have lost over a stone on Atkins, not as fast as I would have liked maybe, but I guess that's what I get for years of abusing my system.

I feel more healthy now than I have for years, and now get no migraines, which used to debilitate me for at least two days every couple of weeks, and my blood pressure has reduced considerably.

My GP's comment? ''I don't care what you're doing .. keep it up.''

In summary this is a way of eating that I intend to follow for life, nowing that I can just increase my carbs when appropriate for maintainance.

Helen Eccles, Leyland, Lancs

Excellent - for once a woman with sense!! Well done, Denise, for banishing the myths!

I have ben following Atkins for five weeks now and have shed six pounds. I love it.

Joanne, Hertfordshire

The fact that people don't know the full facts about the Atkins diet is what's confusing so many people.

People assume you eat cheese, sausage, bacon and eggs all the time with hardly any vegetables.

When I read about the diet I was surprised at how many veg you could have and salad, more than what most people generally consume.

Fruit can be introduced gradually, like berries. It sounds healthy to me if you don't abuse it!

Linda Davies, Southampton

I'd like to wish Stacy well in her diet efforts. Second, I'd like to mention that I'm now entering my eighth week of the Atkins diet and I'm down 24 pounds and 4 inches around the waist line.

My blood pressure is down to normal, somewhere it hasn't been for over twenty years without having to take medications. I've found my energy levels are up, unlike what the "doomsayers" in certain circles have professed would happen.

I have spoken with people who were on Atkin's, and have failed. Often they have not read the book in it's entirity or have only heard what the diet is by "word of mouth" and were far off the "real" Atkin's, they were almost assured failure in their goals.

The people that I've spoken to that have read the whole book and not just "picked" out the menus, have all succeed, some for years.

Atkin's really isn't just a diet but as a lifestyle. Treated as a lifestyle, I believe most people will suceed in their health goals.

Once again, all the best Stacey.