Atkins diet law suit

The controversial Atkins diet ran into law suit trouble when an American businessman called Jody Gorran took out a lawsuit against Atkins Nutrionals Inc, the company behind the doctor's original diet.

The basis for Gorran's law suit was his claim that the Atkins diet raised his LDL cholesterol levels to the point where he needed heart surgery.

After two years on the diet, one of his coronary arteries had become nearly completely blocked. He blamed the diet for his problems and the law suit was brought on the basis that he should be compensated for the damage to his health.

He also wants warnings that advise people of the risks of following a low carbohydrate diet to be placed on Atkins' books, website, and other products.

The problem according to Gorran is that the diet encourages people to eat meat products, which may be high in saturated fat. Saturated fat is thought to raise cholesterol levels, which in turn block up arteries increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. On its side, the company has said that Gorran is backed by a radical vegetarian group and this is what lies behind his objections to the diet. While admitting that up to a third of people are particularly sensitive to fat, they claim that studies have shown the diet is not dangerous if followed correctly. They also say that limiting carbohydrate intake and increasing the amount of protein and fat in your diet not only helps you lose weight, but also is good for your overall health.