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How diets measure up: Atkins Diet

The premise

Cutting carbohydrate intake and eating whole foods will cause the body to go into a fat-burning state called ketosis.

Weight gain is not caused by food portions or fat intake, but by the way the body breaks down simple carbohydrates. By changing the balance of carbs, fat and protein in the diet, weight loss should occur.

The pros

• Food choices include eggs, steak, bacon and beef jerky.

• Dieters often see rapid results in the first weeks.

The cons

• Dieters must count net carbohydrate intake.

• Not vegetarian friendly.

• Common side effects are bad breath, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, insomnia, constipation and nausea.

• Some experts suggest sustained high-protein diets may cause kidney problems or weaken bones.

Price

The book, “The New Atkins for a New You,” costs about $16.

Website

• The Atkins Diet.