FSA clarifies position on Atkins diet

The UK's Food Standards Agency (FSA) says it has not issued an official health warning about the Atkins diet, contrary to media reports yesterday claiming that the government-backed agency had linked the diet to increased risk of obesity and cancer. Reports had referred to advice on the agency's website, suggesting that high-fat, low carbohydrate diets, (such as Atkins, although it was not specifically referred to), may increase the risk of cancer and heart disease. "This consumer advice is just a reminder of long-standing nutritional advice about the importance of eating a balanced diet, which should include carbohydrates," said the FSA statement. "Cutting out starchy foods, or any food group, can be bad for your health because you could be missing out on a range of nutrients. This type of diet also tends to be unrealistic and dull, and not palatable enough to be tolerated for a long time," advised the agency. Low-carbohydrate diets also tend to be high in fat, it said, which could increase your chances of developing coronary heart disease. There is growing controversy over the health benefits of the Atkins diet, with numbers in the UK trying the diet recently estimated at 3 million. Nutritionists warn that the diet, which recommends low intake of carbohydrates and unlimited consumption of high-protein, high-fat foods, could have a dangerous long-term effect on health. While studies have recently found the diet to be effective for weight loss, there have been no long-term studies to evaluate the risks of the diet. There is however no current evidence linking Atkins directly to cancer, diabetes or heart disease. Growing popularity of the diet in the UK is being fuelled by rising numbers of obese, and growing concern over the risks of obesity-related disease, such as type 2 diabetes, seen in higher incidence among both adults and children.

FSA clarifies position on Atkins diet

The UK's Food Standards Agency (FSA) says it has not issued an official health warning about the Atkins diet, contrary to media reports yesterday claiming that the government-backed agency had linked the diet to increased risk of obesity and cancer.

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