[Given previous discussions in the list, I thought this would interest
some.  It's also interesting from a sociological point of view.]

Most Low-Carb Dieters Eat Too Many Carbs-Study

April 5, 2004

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Most U.S. consumers who say they are following
low-carb diets are actually eating more carbohydrates than such diets
recommend, a new survey found. 

According to a study of 11,000 people released by market research firm
NPD Group Monday, only one out of every four low-carb dieters "are
actually significantly cutting carbs." 

At any given time, about 10 million Americans are following low-carb
diets such as the Atkins and South Beach, the report said. 

But adults who are reducing their carb intakes are still eating about
128 grams of refined carbohydrates a day, the study found. That
compares with the estimated 20 to 50 grams of carbs per day
recommended by some low-carb diets. Refined carbohydrates are total
carbs minus dietary fiber. 

"Low-carb diets are a fad," Harry Balzer, vice president of NPD, said
in a statement. "People still want to lose weight by eating, but
getting people to change their behavior is very difficult to do."