New Study Supports Atkins Diet Principle: Overconsumption of Sugar Contributes to Health Issues and Weight Gain

DENVER, Feb. 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- As Valentine's Day approaches, a recent meta-analysis published by the British Medical Journal suggests that giving your loved one something sugary might not be the best way to show affection.  In the study the authors reviewed 30 eligible published trials and 38 eligible published cohort studies related to sugar intake and found that there does appear to be a direct correlation between consumption of sugar and body weight, further supporting the founding principle behind the Atkins Diet™.  An accompanying editorial by Walter Willett and David Ludwig entitled "Science Souring on Sugar" also states that consumption of sugar and refined carbohydrates adversely affects manifestations of metabolic syndrome, which can be an early indicator for diabetes. 

The meta-analysis was designed to identify trends across 68 publications, including both adult and child subjects, related to sugar consumption and effect on body weight.  The study found the probability of being overweight or obese was highest among groups with the highest intake of sugar or sugar-sweetened beverages.  Some of the studies also evaluated the effects on cholesterol levels, changes in BMI, changes in blood glucose and insulin levels, mood, and inflammation.  The review lends support to the idea that advising people to limit the sugar in their diets may help lessen excess weight and obesity, the researchers conclude.

"We are encouraged that the latest nutritional thinking has indeed zeroed in on carbohydrates instead of fat as a likely cause of pre-diabetes and obesity. Easily digestible carbs, in particular—starches like potatoes, white rice, and bread from processed flour, as well as refined sugar—make it hard to burn fat and also increase inflammation in the body that can cause heart attacks," said Colette Heimowitz, M.Sc., VP of Nutrition and Education at Atkins. "The foundation of the Atkins Diet is that a low-carb approach to eating, mutual with a low-sugar approach, is a key element in bringing an end to the current obesity epidemic. We seek to educate people as to how refined carbs and sugar affect their weight and overall health profile."

The editorial by Willett and Ludwig states that the high level of sweetness that is prevalent in popular food supply may promote behaviors akin to addiction – another indicator of the role of sugar in the prevalent obesity epidemic. The editorial goes on to say that "many starchy foods, particularly highly processed grains and potato products, have a high glycemic index, raising blood glucose and insulin more rapidly than an equivalent amount of sucrose."  The piece stresses that "efforts to reduce sugar intake are appropriate, but they should form part of a broader effort to improve the quality of carbohydrates, which would include reducing intakes of refined grain products and potatoes." 

About Atkins Nutritionals, Inc. 
Atkins Nutritionals, Inc. is a leader in the $2.4 billion weight control nutrition category, and offers a powerful lifetime approach to weight loss and management. The Atkins Diet focuses on a healthy diet with reduced levels of refined carbohydrates and added sugars and encourages the consumption of protein, fiber, fruits, vegetables and good fats. Backed by research and consumer success stories, this approach allows the body to burn more fat and work more efficiently while helping individuals feel less hungry, more satisfied and more energetic.

Atkins Nutritionals, Inc., manufactures and sells a variety of frozen meals, nutrition bars and shakes designed around the nutritional principles of the Atkins Diet™.  Atkins' four product lines: Advantage®, Day Break™, Endulge™ and Cuisine™ appeal to a broad audience of both men and women who want to achieve their weight management goals and enjoy a healthier lifestyle. Atkins products are available online at atkins.com and in more than 30,000 locations throughout the U.S. and internationally. For more information, visit atkins.com.

SOURCE Atkins Nutritionals, Inc.