Dr. Atkins' privacy was invaded by some unscrupulous journalists looking for sensational stories. The real issue is that 1) he was fit for most of his adult life, and 2) he rather brilliantly diagnosed the cultural problem of high sugar junk food combnined with advertizing ruining peoples' lives. As stated many times above, Atkins has helped many people adjust their overall eating habits. Most of the above criticism is the result of people who have neither read the book, nor care to inform themselves about the ENTIRE diet--all four of its phases.

For example, Carol C is grossly misinformed about how alcohol metabolizes in the body. Alcohol is converted to acetate by the liver, which the body then burns instead of glucose, or if you're on Atkins, fat. Alcohol DOES NOT convert to carbs, which is why I've lost nearly 25 pounds and still regularly enjoy scotch and sodas and martinis.

In fact, I think I'll have one now to calm myself down after reading a bunch of diet diatribe from the undoubtedly "suspiciously thin" crowd. Only people who don't have to lose weight have the luxury of criticizing other people's methods, when what they should be saying is "congratulations for trying to take control of your life."

Read Atkins' book--all the way til the end--then make informed comments.