The Atkins Craze and Low Carb Diets

There is an old saying that puts forth the proposition that we are what we eat. In the 21st century, this takes on additional meaning due to the emergence of nutrition issues which not only impact the lives of individuals today, but also will have long term health, social, and economic effects. No better example of such an issue exists today than the so-called "low carb craze", which maintains that a diet low in carbohydrates (breads, pastas, etc) and high in proteins (meat, animal products, manufactured foods) as well as the interrelated "Atkins phenomenon" (the Atkins Diet, which advocates the low carb/high protein approach). In this paper, various facets of these issues will be discussed in an effort to better understand the present and future situation, and to draw some educated conclusions based on research.

The Central Issue at Hand

The central nutrition issue at the core of the low-carb craze, as it has come to be known, is whether or not the adaptation of a low-carb, high protein diet will have an adverse effect on the individual over a long period of time. When considering strictly the appearance value of the low-carb diet, one finds it to be an excellent diet program, as the elimination of carbohydrates from the diet, which convert to sugars in the human body, does in the majority of cases lead to weight loss, which of course translates into at least the appearance of a healthier individual, based on the fact that they have lost body fat and are more visually appealing to others. Moreover, the loss of weight and the resulting positive body image in the eyes of the dieter usually makes the individual feel more positive about themselves, boosting self esteem, which in turn can equal more success in careers, interpersonal relationships, hobbies, and the like (Gabel, et al 2002). Beyond the façade of an apparently healthy person, however, are more serious, and negative consequences to fathom.

Opponents of the low-carb diet argue that the types of foods that are required to be eaten in lieu of carbohydrates- such as processed meats, red meats and so forth- are the types of foods that are categorically high in saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, and other elements which have been linked to heart disease, cancer and other ailments that kill millions of people every year- even those who "look healthy" (The Low Carb Craze, 2004). In this case, the improved self esteem and outward appearance of the individual is overtaken by the risk of disease and increased death rates.

Societal Trends That Contribute to "The Craze"

The low carb craze itself is motivated and nurtured by societal trends that are as revealing about the values of modern society as any psychological study that has ever been conducted. Overall, few would argue that the modern society holds beauty, or at least an appearance of health, as one of the most positive attributes a person can possess. When we meet other people, or describe someone to other people, we usually use their physical appearance as the basis of the evaluation or description before taking the time to get to know the person inside of the physical body (Miller, 2000).

Societal criteria that hold a positive physical appearance over character and personality in many cases is proliferated by the image conscious media of the modern day; people worldwide are obsessed with how they look, often times more so than how they physically or emotionally feel. Celebrities, politicians and other public figures are trapped in the judgment of society by these criteria as well.

Because of the well established societal trends that hold physical appearance at the top of the list of human evaluation, it is easy to see how something like the low carb craze would be welcomed by the public with open arms. Low carb diets, far from the old time starvation diets, allow the dieter to eat large quantities of food, albeit certain types of food. Because of the demand for low carb diets, low carb icons, such as Dr. Richard Atkins, have been elevated to celebrity status.

Dr. Atkins, the creator of the low carb, high protein Atkins Diet, preached a diet gospel that, for better or worse, advocated the consumption of large amounts of meats, eggs, and related foods in an effort to lose weight. While it is true that the Atkins Diet resulted in weight loss for millions and millions of people, its long term effects are questionable. In fact, Dr. Atkins himself died suddenly some years ago, and while his public relations machine attributed his death to brain damage from a fall, the rumor has it that he had a massive heart attack, likely brought on by his own diet program (Miller, et al, 2000).

Scientific Understanding Relevant to the Issue

Approaching an exploration of the scientific knowledge that could be relevant to the low carb issue immediately opens up a heated debate, with low carb advocates pitted against those who feel that the alternative to low carb is more harmful than an few extra pounds from eating carbohydrates themselves. This being said, there are some areas of scientific knowledge which could help in the issue.

Admittedly easier said than done, the ability to understand once and for all if high protein diets, beyond the weight loss, are in fact safe would be very useful in enabling the individual to make an informed decision as to their choice of diet. In fact, however, the involvement of the individual, in and of itself, complicates things. It is safe to say that there is no one plan that is completely safe or deadly for all individuals; rather, the safety level can and does vary due to a multitude of body chemistry factors (Gabel, et al, 2002). Combining this with the questionable data that corresponds to the low carb craze's safety or lack thereof, and it is easy to see exactly how complicated the issue can in fact become.

Impact of Low Carb on the Future Food Supply and How the Supply Can be Managed

On the more quantifiable end of the spectrum of the low carb craze, it is enlightening to take into account what sort of impact low carb will have on the future food supply, and in turn, the question of how that supply can be managed comes into play.

If the assumption is made, for the sake of discussion, that low carb diets, for better or worse, become the norm in the 21st century, there are definite outcomes that the international food supply can expect. Generally, the demand for grains, rice, certain fruits and vegetables will surely decrease noticeably, because simply put, people will not be consuming and therefore not buying them (Cetron, et al, 2005). Conversely, the demand for animal-based products such as raw and processed meats, eggs, cheese and other dairy products will skyrocket.

Keeping this supply/demand curve in mind, it is reasonable to assume that if the demand for animal products increases and agricultural products decreases, that it will actually even out as agricultural products are needed to raise and feed the animals that will be "processed" as food.

Can Technology Help in this Case?

The technology community can definitely help if animal products are in demand through techniques designed to effectively breed and grow animals, processing of these animals, and the production of dairy products and the like (Cetron, et al, 2005). Also, if in fact there emerges a huge demand for high protein foods, the innovations and technologies present and yet to emerge in the food industry will also be key players, as artificial foods could be created to meet the dietary needs of the public.

A caution needs to be expressed when discussing engineered foods, however; all steps must be taken to make sure that a processed food is not created that represents a more harmful food option than do high carbohydrate foods.

Conclusions

In this paper, the facets of the low carb craze have been explored, but in closing, there are a few general comments that also must be made. First, technology and science must unite to safely and effectively meet the emerging food demands of the world. Second, all caution must be taken to protect those who consume those foods and lastly, our desire to look a certain way must never outweigh the interests of good health and a clean environment.

References

Cetron, M. J., & Davies, O. (2005, March/April). Trends Now Shaping the Future: Economic, Societal, and Environmental Trends. The Futurist, 39, 27
Gabel, K. A., & Lund, R. J. (2002). Weight Loss at a Cost: Implications of High-Protein, Low-Carbohydrate Diets. JOPERD--The Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, 73(2), 18+.
The Low-Carb Craze. (2004, October). Ebony, 59, 74+.
Miller, H. I., & Longtin, D. (2000). Death by Dietary Supplement. 15.