Low carb Myths & Facts

1. Atkins Nutritionals, Incorporated
FACT SHEET
Atkins™ Nutritionals, Inc. (atkins.com) manufactures and sells a variety of nutrition bars and
shakes designed around the nutritional principles of the Atkins Diet™. Considered revolutionary
when first introduced by Dr. Robert C. Atkins in 1963, the Atkins Diet emphasizes the
consumption of adequate protein, high fiber vegetables, fruits and good fats while promoting
reduced levels of carbohydrates and avoidance of refined carbohydrates and sugar. Backed by
more than 50 scientific studies and consumer success stories, Atkins allows the body to burn
more fat and work more efficiently while feeling less hungry, more satisfied and energetic.
In January 2006, private investors purchased Atkins Nutritionals, Inc. The company quickly
reestablished its standing as a major force in the weight loss industry through new leadership, a
new headquarters in Denver, CO, a product line reformulation, and the creation of a multi-
disciplinary Science Advisory Board composed of respected industry research leaders. The
Science Advisory Board is currently led by chairman Dr. Steven Phinney, MD, PhD, and
Professor Emeritus at the University of California Davis, and organized by Collette Heimowitz,
M.Sc.
Today, chief executive officer, Monty Sharma, leads Atkins Nutritionals, Inc. Sharma is a
nationally recognized business figure in the health, wellness and nutrition industries for his
successful development of EAS and Naked Juice, sold to Abbott Laboratories in 2004 and
PepsiCo in 2006 respectively. With Atkins, Sharma seeks to introduce consumers to its “Sweet.
Sexy. Science.” Sweet, for Atkins’ reformulated, better-tasting products. Sexy, for the way
consumers feel when they follow the Atkins diet. Science, for the numerous independent studies
that support Atkins’ proven results.
Atkins Fast Facts
• Atkins Nutritional Approach™ is composed of four phases: Induction, Ongoing Weight Loss
(OWL), Pre-Maintenance and Lifetime Maintenance. Because of its flexible nature, Atkins
allows individuals to start at any of the first three of the four phases, based on their needs.
• Atkins has always been about limiting – not eliminating – carbohydrates, as well as choosing
foods rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.
• The Journal of the American Medical Association ranked the Atkins™ plan as the #1
approach for weight loss in a 2007 NIH funded study.
• Forty-four percent of American adults are at some level on a reduced carbohydrate diet.
• Atkins products are available in more than 30,000 locations throughout the U.S. and
internationally, and include ready-to-drink shakes and best-selling nutrition bars. Each
product is low in sugar, while also boasting a distinct nutritional profile—high levels of protein,
fiber and good fats, and reduced levels of refined carbohydrates and sugars.
Top Ten Atkins Myths and Facts
• Myth: The Atkins Diet doesn’t work
Fact: The Atkins Diet does work. Atkins is backed by more than 50 studies validating the
diet’s principles and its success rate for weight loss and weight management.
• Myth: The Atkins Diet is unhealthy.
Fact: The Atkins Diet encourages consumption of a healthy balance of nutrient dense
food: adequate protein and fats, a full array of high-fiber vegetables and fruits and good
fats while limiting carbohydrates, refined sugar and trans fats.

2. • Myth: The Atkins Diet is unbalanced and means only eating rich foods like steak, eggs and
bacon and no fruits or vegetables.
Fact: The Atkins Diet includes a variety of foods such as fish, poultry, meat, tofu, eggs,
and cheese. During the Induction phase the concentration is on adequate intake of
protein and fat, and a wide variety of vegetables to supercharge the body’s fat burning
power and jumpstart weight loss. During Phase 2 and beyond, seeds/nuts, fruits and
eventually whole grains are added if individuals’ carbohydrate-tolerance allows.
• Myth: The Atkins Diet doesn’t allow you to eat any carbohydrates.
Fact: People frequently mistake the Induction phase for the entire Atkins program.
During Induction, the plan allows you to eat 20 net carbohydrates daily, with 12 net
carbohydrates coming from a full array of colorful, nutrient-dense vegetables. After the
Induction phase is complete, you increase your carbohydrate count gradually until you
reach your own carbohydrate tolerance level and your goal weight.
• Myth: The Atkins Diet is too restrictive.
Fact: Contrary to popular belief, the Atkins Diet allows you to consume a wide variety of
foods, all framed within a context of eating fewer carbohydrates and sugars, and eating
more of the right foods.
• Myth: Atkins is just a fad diet.
Fact: Atkins is not a fad. In fact, thanks to the attention that Atkins brought to the role of
carbohydrates in the diet, many Americans today have changed the way they eat.
According to the Natural Marketing Institute, 44% of the American adult population today
controls their carbohydrate intake.
• Myth: Dr. Atkins died of a heart attack as a result of following the Atkins Diet.
Fact: Dr. Atkins died as a result of a serious head injury from a fall that occurred April 8th,
2003.
• Myth: People following the Atkins Nutritional Approach suffer from a lack of energy due to not
eating carbohydrates.
Fact: The human body is equipped to use two sources of energy, carbohydrates and
fats. When carbohydrate intake is low enough, the body will switch to fat burning, which
is our backup fuel system.
• Myth: The Atkins Diet promotes a liberal intake of high-fat meats and dairy products that
raise cholesterol levels, ultimately leading to heart disease.
Fact: Research conducted over the past few years on the Atkins Nutritional Approach
demonstrates that the diet, when followed correctly, provides a balance of
monounsaturated fats, polyunsaturated fats and saturated fats from a variety of sources.
Research has consistently demonstrated the diet’s safety and efficiency.
• Myth: Because it excludes fruits, vegetables and grains, Atkins is deficient in nutrients.
Fact: Atkins lifestyle does include fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains in its diet.
The plan encourages individuals to consume a minimum of 12 net carbohydrates of non-
starchy vegetables daily in the first two weeks, increasing the amount along with the
intake of low-glycemic fruits, nuts and seeds, legumes and whole grains as they progress
through the phase and approach weight loss goals. This is more fruits, vegetables and
grains than most Americans consume on a regular basis.