2. Findings
Extract from "Updated Analysis of Health Problems Associated with High-Protein, High-Fat, Carbohydrate-Restricted Diets Reported via an Online Registry" by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) (Dec, 2003)
Note: Numbers in brackets refer to research references. See Low Carb Eating References
Up until December of 2003, 429 individuals reported experiencing problems with high-protein, high-fat, carbohydrate-restricted diets via the online registry.
Common Problems Reported by Atkins Diet Alert Registrants
44% reported constipation
40% reported loss of energy
40% reported bad breath
29% reported difficulty concentrating
19% reported kidney problems: kidney stones (11%), severe kidney infections
(2%), or reduced kidney function (9%)
33% reported heart-related problems, including 13 individuals reporting
heart attack, stent placement, or bypass surgery, 26 reporting arrthymias,
42 reporting other cardiac problems, 58 with elevated serum cholesterol
levels
9% reported gallbladder problems or removal
5% reported gout
4% reported diabetes
4% reported colorectal (1%) or other cancers (3%)
3% reported osteoporosis
Other Problems Reported by Three or More Individuals
31 reported severe gastrointestinal problems including irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulititis, ulcers, heart burn, vomiting, severe abdominal pain, or cramps
19 reported severe mood swings, apathy,
general malaise, or depression
18 reported peripheral neuropathy, pain, cramps, tingling, on numbness
in their limbs
16 reported chronic or severe diarrhea
15 reported experiencing hypoglycemia or feeling fatigued, shaky and weak
15 reported vertigo, dizziness, fainting, or lightheadedness
15 reported severe or repeated headaches
10 reported menstrual irregularities or severe menstrual problems
8 reported chest pain
8 reported high blood pressure
7 reported nausea
7 reported not losing or gaining weight
INDEX to PCRM Low Carb Health Problems Report
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The PCRM Report:
- Introduction and Methods
- Findings
- Nutrient Analysis
- Discussion
of Health Concerns
- Constipation
- Lack of Energy
- Bad Breath
- Lack of Concentration
- Kidney Problems (and Gout)
- Heart Disease
- Gall Bladder Problems
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Limitations of Weight Loss - References
- Appendix: Diet Menus Used for Nutrition Analysis
