We stick with Atkins

At its peak, it had almost three million followers and a string of celebrity supporters. But consumers are coming to the conclusion that a weight-loss plan involving unlimited bacon, cream and butter may not be good for you.

New research reveals eight in 10 people now think the Atkins diet is harmful. It follows months of negative publicity with scientists linking the regime to conditions including kidney stones, brittle bones, diabetes and depression.

The survey also uncovers a slimming dilemma: the majority of people - especially women - are still convinced Atkins works. Experts say many slimmers are so desperate for quick results they are prepared to risk their health.

The Atkins diet involves cutting out or drastically reducing the consumption of carbohydrates, while permitting fat-containing meat and dairy products. Celebrity followers, including Jennifer Aniston and Geri Halliwell, said the regime helped them lose dramatic amounts of weight quickly. Its popularity reached a peak last summer, leading to a slump in sales of potatoes and bread. But research exposed that it triggered worrying side-effects, with experts predicting dire consequences for anyone following the diet long-term.

Today it emerged that attempts by the American promoters of the diet to play down the fears were in vain. A snapshot survey by Leatherhead Food Research Association found 80 per cent of those questioned thought the Atkins diet was unhealthy, particularly if followed for long periods.

But almost 60 per cent believed it does work - and of the women who were quizzed, just under three-quarters said Atkins was an effective way to lose weight, despite agreeing that it may have harmful side effects.

Leatherhead's business manager Susie Johnson said: "The negative publicity has had a drip-drip effect. But it gets quick results, and that is very appealing."

Almost three-quarters of the 1,085 people involved in Leatherhead's study thought they needed to lose weight, with half of women saying they had changed their eating habits in an effort to slim.

Most consumers regularly buy some low-calorie products, with skimmed or semi-skimmed milk the single most popular reduced-fat product, followed by low-calorie fizzy drinks and low-fat spreads and yoghurts. The least popular reduced-fat products are low-calorie chocolate - bought by only three per cent of consumers - and low-calorie ice creams and cakes.

Ms Johnson said: "Many consumers see these items as occasional treats or luxury items, and cut them out completely when dieting, rather than seeking lower-fat alternatives where they may have to compromise slightly on taste."

Azmina Govindji, of the British Dietetic Association, said: "There is no doubt that Atkins does work, but slimmers are looking for the next big thing."