Atkins or Keto: Understanding the Differences and Similarities between Low-Carb Diets
Atkins and keto are both low-carb diets that have been popular for weight loss and improving health markers such as blood sugar control. However, there are some key differences between the two.
The Atkins diet, created by Dr. Robert Atkins in the 1970s, is a four-phase plan that starts with a very low carbohydrate intake and gradually increases the number of carbs allowed as the dieter reaches their weight loss goals. The focus of the diet is on limiting carbs and increasing protein and fat intake. A greater restriction is placed on the source of calories when following a keto diet. Atkins’s diets are highly restrictive in the beginning, but they become less restrictive as time goes on.
The ketogenic diet (keto for short) is a low-fat, moderate-protein, and very low-carb diet. The goal of the diet is to induce a metabolic state called ketosis, in which the body burns fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates. The keto diet typically includes more healthy fats, such as olive oil, avocado, and nuts, and less protein than the Atkins diet.
Both diets can be effective for weight loss, but the keto diet may be more restrictive and difficult to stick to in the long term. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any new diet.
Another difference is the duration of the diet, The Atkins diet is separated into 4 stages, each with a different macronutrient ratio, while the ketogenic diet is a long-term lifestyle change.
These diets have been shown to result in weight loss due to the body’s capability to burn fat effectively when it enters ketosis. Low-carb diets produce greater weight loss than low-fat diets in the short term, according to most relevant studies
It’s important to note that both diets can be effective for weight loss, but the keto diet may be more restrictive and difficult to stick to in the long term. Also, both diets may have some potential risks, such as increased cholesterol and risk of nutrient deficiencies, so it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new diet.
Sources: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1871402116303137
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