Robert Atkins (physician)

Robert Coleman Atkins (October 17, 1930 – April 17, 2003) was an American physician and cardiologist best known for promoting the Atkins Diet, a popular low-carbohydrate weight loss program.

Atkins received his medical degree from Cornell University Medical College in 1955 and specialized in cardiology. He began developing his diet in the 1960s after reading a paper on low-carbohydrate diets in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Atkins popularized his diet through the publication of several books, most notably Dr. Atkins' Diet Revolution (1972) and Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution (1992). The Atkins Diet emphasizes a significant reduction in carbohydrate intake while allowing for higher consumption of protein and fat. The diet is divided into phases, starting with a highly restrictive "induction" phase.

The Atkins Diet gained significant popularity in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, becoming one of the most well-known weight loss programs. While credited by some for promoting weight loss and improving certain health markers, the Atkins Diet has also been subject to criticism and controversy regarding its long-term health effects, nutritional balance, and potential risks for individuals with certain pre-existing medical conditions. Concerns have included potential increases in cholesterol levels and kidney problems, although research has yielded mixed results.

Atkins founded Atkins Nutritionals, Inc., a company that markets food products and supplements designed for low-carbohydrate diets. He died in 2003 from head injuries sustained in a fall on an icy sidewalk. While his diet remains popular, research continues regarding the efficacy and safety of low-carbohydrate approaches to weight management.