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It is the quick end of a cultural phenomenon - and bad news for lovers of steak and bacon cheeseburgers. Atkins Nutritionals Inc., which fueled the low-carb craze and lured millions of dieters with the prospect of losing pounds with little sacrifice, declared bankruptcy this week. The company didn't learn as quickly as its customers that there are no shortcuts to losing weight.
Just 18 months ago, more than 9 percent of Americans claimed to be following a low-carb diet. Dr. Robert C. Atkins promoted a diet that emphasized high-protein meats and cheeses and avoided bread, pasta and fruit. His theory was that the body adjusted to burn fats more efficiently, and believers claimed to quickly shed dozens of pounds. But many discovered they couldn't keep the weight off by eating everything from ice cream to fast-food labeled low-carb, and interest waned as Atkins geared up to meet expected demand. Just 2 percent of Americans say they are on a low-carb diet now; Atkins has gone belly up and filed for reorganization.
Just 18 months ago, more than 9 percent of Americans claimed to be following a low-carb diet. Now only 2 percent are.
Potato farmers and vegetable growers are thrilled. Pasta is popular again. And in an era where two of every three Americans are overweight, fad diets and marketing are still no substitute for responsible eating and regular exercise.