Health lobby hits out at low-carb diets

A NEW coalition of health groups appealed yesterday for dieters to cast off low carbohydrate regimes.

The US-based group said booming low-carb diets were unlikely to lead to long-term weight loss and may be dangerous for health.

"Low carbohydrate diets conflict with decades of solid scientific research that clearly encourages us to reduce saturated fat and boost fruit, vegetable and fibre intake," said Dr Barbara Moore, president of the group Shape Up America, which founded the coalition. "Restricting carbohydrates stresses vital organs and alters brain metabolism, while offering no advantages in terms of either fat loss or long-term weight control."

Other groups joining the campaign, the Partnership for Essential Nutrition, are the American Association of Diabetes Educators, American Institute for Cancer Research, and the American Obesity Association.

The coalition said it had formed to counter popular diets, such as Atkins, under such plans people can eat as much protein-rich food, such as meat, as they wish, but cut down on carbohydrates, such as pasta, bread and potatoes. However, low-carb diets increase the risk for coronary heart disease, diabetes, stroke and several types of cancer, the coalition said.

Recent research conducted by Opinion Research Corporation, found that a fifth of Americans trying to lose weight are cutting back on carbohydrates. Half are eating more steak, while 30 per cent consume more bacon and 4 per cent eat less fruit.

Atkins, based on the diet devised by Dr Robert Atkins, insists its eating plan is safe and effective.