Horizon Season 2004 Episode 3 The Atkins Diet

The Horizon episode "The Atkins Diet" takes a close look at the low-carbohydrate weight loss plan created by Dr. Robert Atkins. At the time of filming in 2004, the Atkins Diet had surged in popularity, with many people swearing by its effectiveness for shedding pounds.

The show starts with a brief history of Dr. Atkins and his background in medicine before delving into his theory on obesity. According to Atkins, the standard low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet that was recommended for weight loss was actually causing people to gain weight due to its impact on blood sugar levels. He believed that a diet that restricted carbohydrates and emphasized protein and fat was the key to losing weight and maintaining a healthy body weight.

The episode presents some of the early skeptics of the Atkins Diet, including nutritionists who were concerned about the high levels of fat and cholesterol in the diet. The program then goes on to follow several people who have had success on the Atkins Diet, including a woman who lost over 100 pounds and a man who went from overweight and out of shape to running marathons.

To further explore the science behind the Atkins Diet, the show enlists the help of several experts, including a doctor who conducts a study on the diet and a biochemist who explains the impact of carbohydrates and sugars on the body. Other segments of the episode include discussions of the medical benefits of the diet, such as its potential for improving cholesterol levels, and the controversy surrounding it, including concerns that it could lead to heart disease and other health problems.

Overall, "The Atkins Diet" offers a balanced look at the popular weight loss plan and provides viewers with the information they need to make informed decisions about whether it's right for them. While some of the information is dated by today's standards, the episode serves as an interesting historical record of the Atkins Diet and its impact on the world of nutrition and weight loss.