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.