There is a longer article "Early Results From New Clinical Studies Begin
To Confirm  Atkins' Low-Carb Nutritional Theories" at
http://news.excite.com/news/pr/000216/ny-atkns-diet-results

excerpt:

The results showed that over a four-month period, there was an average
weight  loss of 21.3 pounds. There was a significant reduction in serum
total cholesterol of  6.1%, reduction in serum triglycerides of 39.9%,
reduction in cholesterol/HDL  ratio of 18.9%, and a significant increase
in HDL of 7.2%. There were no serious  adverse effects of the diet
program.

Although the study is now being continued to observe such long-term
effects in the  original study subjects and others, during the original
four-month period, weight  loss was only one of the benefits experienced
by the dieters. An overwhelming  percentage of subjects reported other
dramatic beneficial effects including more  energy (95%), less heartburn
(87%), improved mood (85%), less menstrual  cramping (71% of females), and
less pre-menstrual symptoms (67% of females).

Furthermore, none of the safety concerns voiced by the spokesperson for
the  American Dietetic Association during their meeting last October held
up in the  study. This very low-carbohydrate program led to statistically
significant positive  changes in blood chemistry and major organ function.
Over the four months, the  study subjects experienced no adverse effects
to the liver or kidneys.

  The study also showed some of the minor and short-term effects that are
commonly reported by Atkins Dieters as they undergo the adaptation phase
of the  diet including headache, constipation and halitosis. "Clearly
ongoing long-term  research is necessary to fully understand these
benefits and potential problems,"  explained Westman. In fact, the Durham
VA and other research institutions have  already initiated long-term
follow-up studies designed to increase sample size and  observe the effect
of the diet on other medical populations including  hyperlipidemia,
diabetes mellitus, gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), sleep  apnea
and morbid obesity. Research is also planned to explain the mechanism of
the diet as it pertains to weight loss, lipid effects and insulin
sensitivity.