A doctor's verdict

The Atkins diet isn't popular with doctors.

It goes against the conventional wisdom that starchy carbohydrates should be our main energy source. Experts predicted dire consequences for anyone following the diet long-term - but these have been largely theoretical.

Opponents claim it can cause kidney damage, thin bones, constipation, raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of diabetes and an early heart attack.

Although the diet has been around for 40 years, there is little real-world evidence to back them up. But there is plenty of proof the diet works, although not in the way Dr Atkins thought. He predicted low carbohydrate intake would cause metabolic changes that speed up the burning up of fat. But the latest evidence indicates the truth is much simpler - Atkins dieters lose weight because they consume fewer calories.

However, people are more concerned with whether, not how, it works. Many of my patients have shifted pounds on the Atkins diet.

But his most remarkable success has been closer to home - my parents have lost five stone between them after 30 years of carrying too much weight, and say they have never felt better. I would not recommend the diet longterm but for short-term weight loss it seems at least as effective as anything else, and I remain to be convinced it is any more dangerous.