28 May 2004

by Anai Rhoads

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AnaiRhoads.org - A wealthy Florida man is sueing Atkins Nutritionals, Inc., and the Estate of the late Dr. Robert C. Atkins citing that the well-known diet is detrimental to one's health.

The 53 year-old of Delray Beach filed the complaint in a Palm Beach court, charging that he had no known health problems prior to using the weight-loss system.

Jody Gorran's cholesterol level was 146 and a heart scan showed he was free of coronary artery disease. Within weeks on being on the high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet, Gorran's cholesterol jumped to 230.

Gorran began to develop chest pains in October 2003, which prompted him to seek a cardiac evaluation. The examination revealed that one of his coronary arteries was left nearly 99 percent blocked. An angioplasty was quickly employed to balloon open the artery, helping bloodflow through. He was left with a stent to prevent a relapse of the artery.

"I hope this lawsuit exposes the Atkins diet for what it is: a threat to American public health," Gorran said. "More than 20 million people are following some version of this diet. It is my belief and hope that by coming forward, I can encourage others whose health has been damaged by Atkins to come forward as well."

The Atkins diet has been criticised by health organisations including the American Heart Association (AHA), the American Dietetic Association (ADA), and the American Kidney Fund. Nearly 30 percent of individuals on the Atkins diet experienced elevated LDL cholesterol levels according to a study published 18 May 2004, Annals of Internal Medicine.

The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) has received more than 560 complaints of illnesses and fatalities through an online registry.

"Low-carbohydrate diets push dieters to avoid healthy foods, like rice, beans, and pasta, while ignoring the risks of high- cholesterol, high-fat meat and cheese," said PCRM President Neal Barnard, M.D. "The idea that cholesterol and saturated fat don't matter is a dangerous myth."

Gorran He is seeking less than $15,000 for personal injury, plus damages under Florida's Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act in the amount of $40.45. He and intends to donate any money received to charity.

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