Loved by celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and Kim Kardashian, the Atkins diet is a low-carbohydrate, high-protein regime commonly implemented for fast weight-loss.
While it promotes better eating than many others out there, this Hollywood-endorsed meal plan has recently come under fire for promoting a slim figure with no noticeable health gain.
New research out of Washington University’s School of Medicine in St. Louis asserts that while people who consume a high-protein diet may lose weight, their insulin sensitivity rate doesn’t improve.
This is problematic as insulin sensitivity decreases in people who are overweight, which means that, according to The Guardian, they becomes less effective at controlling blood-sugar levels. This ultimately can lead to type-2 diabetes.
What’s more, a new study from Brown University found a worrying link between the diet so highly preferred by A-listers, and the risk of heart failure.
Here, we round up the celebrities who have been linked to the now-controversial regime – who should perhaps think about steering clear of it…
JENNIFER ANISTON
Jennifer Aniston has long maintained her svelte figure. A feat which the 48-year-old credits to her high-protein, low-carb diet.
SHARON OSBOURNE
Sharon Osbourne, 64, famously lost than 13kg in three months, claiming it was all down to the Atkins diet, regular exercise and family support.
JULIA ROBERTS
Numerous reports claim the Money Monster star, 48, has undergone the Atkins diet for roles.
KIM KARDASHIAN
The 36-year-old reality star has always been a believer in the regime having used it to shape up after both her first and second pregnancies. Click here to find out Kim Kardashian’s day on a plate!
RENEE ZELLWEGGER
Between gaining weight for her role in the first Bridget Jones movie to slimming down for her role as Roxie Hart in Chicago, Renee Zellweger, 47, was rumoured to followed the Atkins diet.
JESSICA SIMPSON
Before publicly endorsing the Weight-Watchers diet, Jessica Simpson, 36, was said to have tried the Atkins plan.
GERI HALLIWELL
Mum-of-two Geri Halliwell, 44, was once a big Atkins diet fan.
COURTENEY COX
Like best friend, Jennifer Aniston, 52-year-old Courteney Cox’s name has been closely tied to the Atkins diet.