The following review examines the advantages and disadvantages of several popular diet plans. Most of the diets are based on low-carbohydrate approaches. These hotly debated low-carbohydrate diets were subject of a recent study in the "Journal of the American Medical Association" that found more research is needed on the safety and efficacy of such plans. The article analyzed hundreds of published studies about low-carbohydrate plans and found a lack of scientific evidence for or against the diets. "It is also important to note that in most of the studies contained in the analysis, weight loss occurred when study participants were on diets for longer periods, and when they ate fewer calories," according to a statement by Robert H. Eckel, a physician and chair of the American Heart Association's Nutrition, Physical Activity and Metabolism Council.

Keeping that in mind, let's look at a few popular diets, and go through some of the pros and cons, and the theory behind their potential effects.

	The Atkins Diet (Robert C. Atkins, M.D.)
	The Carbohydrate's Addict's Diet (Richard Heller, M.D. and Rachael Heller, M.D.)
	The Pritikin Principle (Created by Nathan Pritikin, Revised by Robert Pritikin)
	Protein Power Lifeplan (Michael R. Eades, MD, and Mary Dan Eades, MD)
	Sugar Busters (H. Leighton and associates)
	Suzanne Somers' Get Skinny on Fabulous Food (Suzanne Somers and associates)
	The Zone Diet (Barry Sears, Ph.D.)
	South Beach Diet (Arthur Agatston, MD)

While there are many more diets available, these are the ones that seem to generate the most interest and the most questions. We will not even begin to address fad diets such as the " cabbage soup diet" or the " Hollywood diet" etc. There is simply no role for the use of get-skinny-quick fads. They are nutritionally devoid, and frankly dangerous.

Maintaining your ideal body weight is a balancing act between food consumption and calories needed by the body for energy. You are what you eat. The kinds and amounts of food you eat affect your ability to maintain your ideal weight and to lose weight.

Medical science has established that eating proper foods can influence health for all age groups. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's current dietary guidelines state:

"Eat a variety of foods. Balance the food you eat with physical activity--maintain or improve your weight. Choose a diet low in fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol. Choose a diet moderate in sugars. Choose a diet moderate in salt and sodium. If you drink alcoholic beverages, do so in moderation."

	Obesity means having excess body fat. For adults 35 and older, BMI greater than 27 is considered obese.
	Obesity is not just a cosmetic consideration. It is a chronic medical disease that can lead to diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, gallstones, and other chronic illnesses.
	Obesity is difficult to treat and has a high relapse rate. Greater than 95% of those who lose weight regain the weight within 5 years.
	Even though medications and diets can help, the treatment of obesity cannot be a short-term "fix" but has to be a life-long commitment to proper diet habits, increased physical activity, and regular exercise.
	The goal of treatment should be to achieve and maintain a "healthier weight", not necessarily an ideal weight.
	Even a modest weight loss of 5%- 10% of initial weight and the long-term maintenance of that weight loss can bring significant health benefits by lowering blood pressure and lowering the risks of diabetes and heart disease.
	Chances of long-term successful weight loss are enhanced if the doctor works with a team of professionals including dietitians, psychologists, and exercise professionals.

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