Final Verdict
The Atkins diet seems to produce fast weight loss—perhaps even more effectively than low-fat regimens. But it gradually loses steam. More important, staying on this diet for longer than six months may pose serious health risks. Until science has the answers, you might try jump-starting your efforts with Atkins, but then ease into a lower-fat diet that's moderate on carbs, high in fiber, fruits, and vegetables, and proven safe over the long term.