At one time over 10,000,000 people in the World were following the Atkins low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet. These diets are less popular now but the belief that carbohydrates cause weight gain remains, and manufacturers have been quick to launch low-cart)' products.

Organizations including the Food Standards Agency and the British Dietetic Association (BDA) have expressed concern at the risks of slimming in a way that is counter to all conventional advice on healthy eating. The BDA concluded it could not recommend a high-protein diet as a long-term slimming solution, because of concerns about the possible effects of a high protein intake on the kidneys and on calcium loss, and high levels of saturated fat on the heart. It called for further research on the consequences of a high-protein diet for people who already have weight-related medical conditions.

However, thousands of people who have followed low-carbohydrate diets find they are effective, at least in the short term. Research studies have confirmed that a low-carb diet can produce a quicker short-term weight loss than other slimming diets, but that there is no difference in weight loss after six months.

Promoters of low-carb diets say that they work because there is an overall reduction in digestible energy, i.e. the balance of the diet encourages more calories than usual to be burnt up in digestion, and that deprived of glucose from carbohydrates, the body plunders its fat and protein stores to produce energy from ketones, resulting in quick weight loss.
Sceptics agree that there is an overall reduction in energy because the diet is self-limiting - in other words, there is only so much bacon and eggs, without toast, that can be eaten. And as high-protein diets tend to ban refined carbohydrates, which are generally high in calories, then the energy deficit necessary for weight loss can be achieved.

Protein foods are satiating (filling), which helps to keep hunger at bay, while the production of ketones (essentially a starvation reaction) can also result in a feeling of fullness. Other less pleasant short-term side-effects of ketone production can include bad breath, nausea and dizziness. Constipation can also be a problem on a high-protein diet that is very low in fibre.

Weight gain is possible
Losing weight rapidly without ever feeling hungry sounds too good to be true for slimmers and, in the short term, substantial weight loss, in the form of glycogen and water, is almost inevitable. However, taking the 'unlimited fats' rule to the extreme, it would be possible to overeat on these calorie-dense foods and gain weight.

Must known: Effective in the short term, Meals are quick to prepare and feature favourites such as a fried breakfast.  Diet can be monotonous and lacks the 'filling power' of many carbohydrate foods.

There are question marks over the health effects of following a high-protein   diet long term.

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