The leadership at the Carbohydrate Awareness Council (CAC) is appalled at the unethical behavior of those who recently violated the privacy of the late Dr. Robert Atkins’ medical records. We believe this type of behavior clearly demonstrates the moral constitution of those who would attack his science-based dietary advice.

Regarding the publicly-disclosed facts of the case, they in no way detract from Dr. Atkins’ low carbohydrate approach to weight loss. Specifically, the charges that he was obese are clearly refuted by his well-documented appearances shortly before his death. Clinicians who have treated bed-bound, comatose patients in intensive care situations are very familiar with the profound fluid retention sometimes seen in these unfortunate individuals. Fluid retention is especially common in those whose heart has been weakened by previous viral infections.

More importantly, one can not make scientific conclusions from one case (an “N of one”). A very reasonable explanation for the status of Atkins’ coronary arteries could be that he was genetically predisposed to atherosclerosis. His adherence to a low carbohydrate diet may have delayed a heart attack that he might otherwise have been destined to have at age 50. We will never know.

What is factual is that a controlled-carbohydrate approach to weight loss improves all accepted blood markers of cardiovascular risk. The CAC urges those concerned with this controversy to heed the scientific data. We at the CAC will continue to strive to provide this information in a timely, ethical, and level-headed manner.



source: Carbohydrate Awareness Council
PO Box 3371
Falls Church, VA 22043
703.200.1712
www.carbaware.org

Thank you, Andrea.

Take care~
Susan

LCE Member since 01/02

The BBC evening news had a short piece on Dr. Atkins last night, it show Dr. Atkins 10 days befor his accident looking fit and well.

I hope I look as good as him when I reach 70.

Lez

BigLez Soon to be Littlelez

If you have never made a mistake then you've done nothing

OK, can I ask a question here?

Was there any statement made by the doctors who were treating Dr. A at the time of his death? Maybe I just missed it, but it seems that they are being very quiet. Perhaps they are just keeping a lid on the whole thing until they find out how medical records from their hospital were released in the media.

Has anyone heard anything from them? I know if I were a hospital administrator, I'd be pretty nervous right now.

Trina

Cooking is at once child's play and adult joy.
And cooking done with care is an act of love.
- Craig Claiborne

Some more info, according to USA Today:

Millions of people who follow Atkins' low-carb, meat-lovers' diet were caught off guard by a report Tuesday in TheWall Street Journal that the cardiologist weighed 258 at the time of his death and had heart disease. The new document shows that the 6-foot-tall Atkins weighed 195 on admission to the hospital after a fall on April 8, 2003. He went into a coma and died April 17 at age 72.

Atkins' critics say his diet may lead to heart disease and bone or kidney problems. Short-term studies have shown that dieters lose weight on the plan without raising their cholesterol; in fact, they lower some heart-disease risk factors. Long-term research is just beginning.

Atkins since 1/6/04
152/145/130

Thanks for sharing this Andrea! I was quite upset aobut the statements made. I really feel for Dr. Atkins and his family. It is a shame that he did not live to see how popular his woe had become and just how many he helped. I am sure he would have loved this site!

Good luck all!!
Seesko




242/230/135

"What my mind can envision; my body can master!"