Dr. "FAtkins"?

[The Edge]

February 11, 2004 -- The widow of Dr. Robert Atkins is considering suing the city over the unauthorized release of her late husband's confidential medical records - which show the diet guru was obese at the time of his death.

The 6-foot Atkins weighed a scale-shattering 258 pounds at the time of his death last year, according to records from the city's Medical Examiner's Office that were released by an anti-Atkins group.

But a representative for widow Veronica Atkins yesterday ripped the medical examiner's report about the diet doc's weight as "absurd."
Spokesman Richard Rothstein said Dr. Atkins, promoter of the popular high-fat, protein-rich diet, tipped the scales at 195 pounds - considered overweight but not obese for a man of that height - when he was admitted to the hospital last April
He then gained 63 pounds from a steady diet of intravenous fluids and from organ failure while in a coma for more than a week.

Independent medical experts said such a large weight gain would have been possible.

"He wouldn't be the first person to die significantly heavier than he was in life after a critical injury," said Dr. Lisa Sanders of Yale Medical School.

The latest furor comes in the wake of Mayor Bloomberg last month disparaging the late doctor in front of a group of Brooklyn firefighters, calling the 72-year-old Atkins "fat" and saying he didn't "believe that bull---- that [Atkins] dropped dead slipping on the sidewalk."

Five days later, after a storm of bad publicity, Bloomberg - who had been to Atkins' home and spoke in unflattering terms about the food served there - apologized for his comments through a statement issued by press secretary Ed Skyler.
The disclosure of Atkins' medical records - first reported in yesterday's Wall Street Journal - is a violation of the law and the Medical Examiner's Office said yesterday it had occurred by mistake.

Rothstein said, "There are a number of legal options being considered" by Veronica Atkins.

The ME's Office is investigating the circumstances surrounding the release of the medical report - which wound up in the hands of an anti-Atkins group before being given to the Journal.

The group, Physicians for Responsible Medicine, promotes a vegetarian diet and is linked to the radical animal-rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, according to Atkins supporters


Responding to the medical examiner's report, which said Atkins had a recorded history of heart trouble, Veronica Atkins said her husband suffered from a heart condition called cardiomyopathy that "significantly weakened his heart," but she insisted the ailment had nothing to do with his slip-and-fall death.

His cause of death was officially listed as a head injury.

Medical Examiner's Office spokeswoman Ellen Borakove said the office had apologized to Veronica Atkins.

http://nypost.com/news/regionalnews/17688.htm

******************
I find it interesting that the guy had heart problems. I don't see how eating all that fatty food could be good for you in the long run. My apologies to the supporters on this board.

 

[Lisa F]

Ah yes, medical records as interpreted through the eyes of a "radical animal rights" group who promotes vegetarianism. This has everything to do with the health of people who follow the Atkins program and nothing at all to do with maybe the fact that meat consumption has gone through the roof lately?

 

[zakatak]

I completely agree with The Edge. I think that some (not all) Atkin's followers just use it as an excuse to eat bacon, eggs, cheese, heavy cream, meat galore, etc... instead of just using it to cut out the "bad" carbs such as refined flour, sugar, white breads, cakes, cookies, etc...

I think a well balanced diet would do wonders for people. Common sense is what it takes, as well as eliminating the "pre-packaged convienence foods" that have taken over the supermarket. Think about the 50's & 60's... not many people were overweight let alone obese. What did we eat back then? Sure, we still had meat, but maybe not at every meal. We also ate homemade foods, not packaged crap. Sweets were a dessert maybe, not an everyday, all day occurance. There wasn't fast food chains on every corner (and in between every corner!). It was also a TREAT to go out to dinner, many families only going out to a restaurant once a month or less, not three times a week or more.

Where was I going with this...???

Oh yeah, I think if we go back to a "gee, I actually KNOW what is in my food" type of diet, eliminate packaged crap, sweets, fast food and hence eliminate alot of the hidden fats and chemicals that most Americans are eating, we would be where Atkins was headed (and South Beach is going)... lean meats, whole foods, no sweets (maybe a holiday treat).

And you can't tell me, no matter how hard you try, that a carrot is worse for me than 6 slices of bacon. Nope. Not going to happen! And, by the way, it isn't the POTATO that is bad for you, it is what you put on the potato... cheese, butter, sour cream, bacon, etc... try a potato with Salsa on it... what maybe 100 calories and zero fat. You can even have two!

I am not bashing Atkins, I just think some people take it so they can have free reign of foods that were once thought to be bad for your heart. Yes, you do lose weight. But at what cost in the long run... and I don't mean 6 months... I mean 20 years!

Take care everyone... please just use common sense. Think about what you put in your body. Try to elimate as much "crap" in food, like the chemicals, artificial ingredients, colors, sweeteners, etc. Over time your body will find it's set point and everything will be "normal".

No flames... since I wasn't attacking anyone.

 

[bjgrazi]

zakatak, I agree with you totally.

A sensible well balanced meal is all we need.

 

[TerriP]

Classy title....nice way to refer to a deceased man.

 

[HeyMickey]

What I don't understand is how people on Atkins can eat all that cholesterol-laden food and seem completely unconcerned about what it's doing to them. Just because you're losing weight (by eliminating an entire group of foods, which I don't consider healthy at all) doesn't mean your cholesterol isn't going through the roof. I'd love to know how the late Dr. Atkins explained away the cholesterol risks.

 

[Gupsmom]

Regardless of how a person feels about the diet, I think the initial artical was so tacky. The guy died tragically and people are using it as a platform. Obviously this isn't the first time and it won't be the last but that doesn't make it right.

As for his post injury weight....the guy had been on TV before his accident and he certainly wasn't 258 lbs. Funny enough, my BIL *the thinest persn in the family) has the same type of heart condition...nothing to due with hiw diet. My MIL died suddenly and you should have seen what she looked like. I mean she wasn't a thin person but she certainly wasn't as big as she was at her time of death. Thank God she wasn't famous so the media didn't have to report on her physical appearance after her tragic death. UGH...how pitiful.

Jess

 

[LisaTx]

I can see where someone who is fortunate enough to have not dealt with cardiomyopathy might think that heart disease automatically equalls bad diet, but that is just not the case.

Cardiomyopathy is an enlargement of the heart that can cause one to go into congestive heart failure. There are several types of cardiomyopathy. Cardiomyopathy is not necessarily due to clogging of the arteries and is not always related to a diet high in fat. The type of cardiomyopathy which Dr. Atkins was reported to have, can be caused by a viral infection, alcohol abuse, toxin exposure, or drugs used to treat other medical conditions.

Cardiomyopathy patients may develop electrical arrythmia problems as well, which can lead to tachacardia, and needing to be shocked back into a stable rhythm. That is not the same as having a heart attack caused by clogged arteries.

"During his coma, as he deteriorated and his major organs failed, fluid retention and bloating dramatically distorted his body and left him at 258 pounds at the time of his death, a documented weight gain of over 60 pounds," the doctor said in a written statement. "How and why the Journal reported that he was obese, remains the only unanswered question in this pathetic situation."
From cnn.com

The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine aka PETA terrorists, managed to illegally obtain a copy of his medical records and are using them in a media smear campaign.

When you don't have a leg to stand on, make it personal.

 

[CyranoJones]

I agree that eating a balanced diet is essential. After consulting with my physician and my SIL, who has been doing diabetes and insulin resistance research for 20 some years at USC, I made these changes to my diet...

I eliminated refined sugar, white flour, and transfats from my daily diet. I eat mainly boneless, skinless chicken, turkey, lean pork, and fish. Occasional red meat, maybe once every 2 weeks, rare to almost no processed meat. I stick mainly to low glycemic fruits and vegetables, which include berries, some melons, green leafy veggies, cruciferous veggies, and again, on occasion, a higher glycemic choice such as sweet potato. I do snack on small amounts of heart-healthy nuts, use olive oil or macadamia nut oil for cooking. I also use approximately one stick of butter per week, avoiding the transfats of margarines. When I choose to eat bread, I pick one made with natural whole grain. I eat plain yogurt daily for its benefits, and sometimes eat small amounts of aged, nonprocessed cheese.

I must say that making these healthy changes have made me feel so much better. Plus I've lost a few pounds as a side benefit. Can't argue with that.

 

[glo]

As an Atkins success story...here goes.

Two years ago weighed 210 and I am only 5 feet tall. I was on blood preasure medication and borderline diabetic. My cholestoral was ok though. I was tired all the time, and was in a size 22 clothes. I too sat there and chastised everyone in my family who tried Atkins. I have tried every diet under the sun, and all the sensible eating in the world and I did not do well.

Fast forward

July 2003.... Still 5 feet tall and just shy of my 40th bday (when your metabolism slows even more) I weighed 123 pounds in a size 6. Cholestarol still fine, BUT no blood preasure medicine and perfect sugars. My doctor has given me the first wonderful clean health check up. All my blood work NORMAL!!!!


Today.

Was put on predinisone for a pre-exsisting condition, and gained 20 pounds. I went of the diet in early Nov and am just going back on...Have 7 pounds of that to loose. Dr. will be changing my meds again soon, so that will be good...no more water retention from that darn med.


I lead a much healthier life now....before would take the elevator everywhere, now I can go up the steps...I can enjoy the beach, play outside with my kids...go to WDW and not get pooped out.

You can knock it all you want, but for some people it works. Think about this when I was at 210 pounds, I stayed in, I was embarrassed of myself. I was considered obese and had medical problems due to that. Now, I get out, can wear normal clothes, feel good about myself, have great health (ask my Dr,), and enjoy life...Which would you choose.


And yes, I tried Weight Watchers, portion control, Diet Workshop, and many other diets without success. It is about success and health...not for everyone, but if it works asnd you are healthy, then why knock it.

Gupsmom...I so agree with you

 

[LisaTx]

Cyrano, you described our new way of eating to a T. You do realize that is what Dr. Atkins recommends as well? I can't call it a diet because it is not. It's a lifestyle.

I don't think Atkins, or low carb, is the answer for everyone. I think some people are more sensitive or their bodies react differently to carbohydrates. I also suspect that those who advocate just eating sensibly have never had a serious weight problem.

My DH, who has type II diabetes, has his blood sugars 100% under control thanks to Atkins. Although he will always be diabetic, his endicrinologist says that he is now considered pre-diabetic.

 

[The Edge]

Ischemic cardiomyopathy results when the arteries that bring blood and oxygen to the heart, called coronary arteries, are blocked. Ischemic cardiomyopathy is a common cause of congestive heart failure. Patients with this diagnosis may at one time have had an acute heart attack, angina or unstable angina. A few patients may not have noticed any previous symptoms

Ischemic cardiomyopathy is the most common type of cardiomyopathy in the US. It affects approximately 1 out of 100 people, most often middle-aged to elderly men. In the older age ranges, the gender difference becomes less pronounced.

Risks include having a personal or family history of heart attack, angina, unstable angina, atherosclerosis,or other coronary artery diseases. Hypertension, smoking, diabetes, high fat diet, high blood cholesterol, obesity and (rarely) stress can all precipitate ischemic heart disorders.

It does link to cholesterol and a high fat diet.

http://health.allrefer.com/health/ischemic-cardiomyopathy-info.html

Just be careful, folks.

 

[Miss Jasmine]

I also suspect that those who advocate just eating sensibly have never had a serious weight problem.

I had a serious weight problem, and by eating sensibly and exercising I have taken it off and kept it off. I still believe that is the best way to make a life long change. You cannot eliminate all the things you "can't" have for the rest of your life. And then when you do have a carb for a treat, you get the worst feeling. That is not right. I try to stay away from processed foods, and make most things at home from scratch. I try to substitute wheat flour for regular flour when I can, and I do some other modifications, but I will not eliminate a whole type of food.

It can be done, I am living proof. This low carb stuff seems to fadish in the way it is presented. There are some benefits to limiting your carbs and choosing better carbs, but there is no reason to be running out there and buying processed versions of "low-carb" stuff. That is not what healthy eating is about.

 

[Robmom]

I agree. Whatever diet works for you. I personally never tried Adkins. I read about it and it wasn't for me. I can't eat all the food. And to me it seems like too much unhealthy food. Weight Watchers works for me. But I know it doesn't work for everyone. So to each his own. I know a few people on Adkins that have lost weight, so it obviously works. I guess the research has to be on the long term effects.

My DH has cardiomyopothy (sp?). The doctor said that it was caused by a virus. He always eats healthy, especially with this condition, you have to stay away from fried foods.

 

[snoopy]

I eliminated refined sugar, white flour, and transfats from my daily diet. I eat mainly boneless, skinless chicken, turkey, lean pork, and fish. Occasional red meat, maybe once every 2 weeks, rare to almost no processed meat. I stick mainly to low glycemic fruits and vegetables, which include berries, some melons, green leafy veggies, cruciferous veggies, and again, on occasion, a higher glycemic choice such as sweet potato. I do snack on small amounts of heart-healthy nuts, use olive oil or macadamia nut oil for cooking. I also use approximately one stick of butter per week, avoiding the transfats of margarines. When I choose to eat bread, I pick one made with natural whole grain. I eat plain yogurt daily for its benefits, and sometimes eat small amounts of aged, nonprocessed cheese.

This is pretty much the Atkins diet.

I think most people think it entails eating only red meat and nothing else. Those that do should read up on it. It has the potential to be abused, in that it does allow the follower to eat all the bacon he/she wants - but if followed to the letter just using leaner meats, its a very healthy diet.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Hey Edge, long time no see.

A few thoughts.............

http://atkins.com/about/recentnews/wsjresponse.html

http://atkins.com/Archive/2004/2/10-133186.html

I have been following the spirit of low carb eating since mid July last year. I am down about 40-45 pounds, depending on the day (still looking for another 20 down), my tri-g's are down from too high to great, my BP has never been a problem, still is not, my overall cholesterol has remained about the same though LDL is down a bit (good) and HDL is up a bit (good). I am still out of shape, don't exercise, my next goal is to do that.

I find it a life-style I can live with, hopefully a long time, so far, so good.

 

[CyranoJones]

LisaTX, yes, I forgot to add that I have been following Atkins for months.

And it has been widely reported that Dr. Atkins' cardiomyopathy stemmed from viral infection. Regardless, PCRM is trying to obfuscate facts and make people think that there is some statistical significance re: the issue of Dr. Atkins weight and his heart disease. Faulty science at best.

 

[LisaTx]

Edge, you are correct about Ischemic cardiomyopathy caused by artery damage. Dr. Atkins was reported as having idiopathic non-Ischemic cardiomyopathy, caused by a viral infection. Trying to imply that Dr. Atkins heart disease and or death were due to his diet is just simply not the truth.

Originally posted by Miss Jasmine
there is no reason to be running out there and buying processed versions of "low-carb" stuff. That is not what healthy eating is about.

I agree with you on that point. I don't do that either. I think that is just swithing one problem for another. I try to stick to whole foods that I prepare myself as well.

 

[The Edge]

Stuart Trager, chairman of the Atkins Physicians Council in New York, told the Journal that Atkins' heart disease stemmed from cardiomyopathy, a condition thought to result from a viral infection.

The chairman of the Atkins Physicians Council was the one who reported it was viral. Sort of like the vegetarians uncovering the story about his weight.

Glad to hear of everyone's success with the diet. Hopefully, the long term effects will be good for all of you.

 

[Lisa F]

Originally posted by Miss Jasmine
There are some benefits to limiting your carbs and choosing better carbs, but there is no reason to be running out there and buying processed versions of "low-carb" stuff. That is not what healthy eating is about.

I agree 100% with this statement. I truly believe that what has gotten us so fat were the "low fat convenience" foods that food manufacturers were so eager to make when low fat was the way to go, and I worry about what the effect of "low carb" foods will be in another 20 years or so.

Regardless, Atkins had some really good things to say in questioning the assumptions that people had made for years about what creates a healthy diet. I have never heard anyone who followed the Atkins diet and ended up with WORSE bloodwork than before, though I'm guessing it HAS happened since no one program seems to fit every person. The vast majority of people who low carb show IMPROVED blood work.

I think that people who like to go on and on about how unhealthy and how terrible Atkins (and other low carb programs are) are finding their comfort zone about what they "know" to be "proper nutrition" threatened. I'm following South Beach, not Atkins, but frankly I'm grateful that Atkins came along and paved the way for diets that make a heck of a lot more sense to me and make me feel a lot better physically than what I was doing before.