Atkins diet secret

Scientists are trying to uncover reason behind the success of Atkins diet, that is a fad among dieters.

Scientists at the Rowett Research Institute in Scotland are all set to carry out a 1 million dollar study to uncover the reason behind the success of the Atkins diet, a low carb diet that is a fad among dieters worldwide.

According to The Scotsman, the effort is aimed at creating a new, healthier alternative that is just as good at losing weight.

According to the project leader Dr Alex Johnstone, "We want to find out what it is that makes this type of diet easy to stick to, because that is obviously an important part of why people find it an effective way to lose weight.

"Is it the high protein content of the diet which helps to satisfy appetites, or is it another physiological mechanism that is operating? We need to increase our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of high-protein, low-carbohydrate weight-loss diets so that we can develop healthier, longer-term weight reduction strategies," she said.

"For certain people the Atkins diet would not be suitable and it has come under criticism because it's low in dietary fibre, fruit and veg. These are all carbohydrates. We can all agree that one diet does not fit all. My aim would be to get to the stage where you could say to a particular person, "this particular diet would help you take the weight off and you'd be able to stick to it," she added.

Obese men aged 20 to 55 who are healthy and do not smoke will be asked to live in the institute's human nutrition unit for nine weeks to participate in the first stage of the study.

They will be provided with food such as mixed grills for breakfast, chicken curry and chocolate mousse and the researchers will examine a range of factors including food intake, quality of life, state of health, physical activity and fatigue.

The study is being funded by the Scottish Executive's environment and rural affairs department, which is providing 900,000 pounds over three years.

"Eating a healthy balanced diet combined with regular physical activity is the best way to improve a person's health. The aim of this study is to better understand the physiological role that protein plays in overcoming feelings of hunger'" a spokeswoman for the Scottish Executive was quoted as saying.