The Nutrition Controversy

Should the main component of a diet be Protein or Carbohydrates?

This is the controversy in nutrition today. Body By Susan is providing links to help you make an informed decision about your diet. As new research becomes available, this page will be updated.

Robert Atkins, MD, Dean Ornish, MD, and Dr. Barry Sears are respected nutrition professionals.

Robert Atkins, MD, developed the Atkins high protein diet in the 1970s. The Atkins Center for Complementary Medicine in New York City has treated over 60,000 individuals with this diet. The premise is that the restriction of carbohydrates leads to a "fat burn." Dr. Atkins, who is now deceased, cited independent research to support the high protein, low carbohydrate diet. A number of university studies are now being conducted to further investigate this approach to weight loss as well as its effect on cholesterol.

Dean Ornish, MD, advocates a diet high in healthy carbohydrates, such as fruits and vegetables, and low in fat. He claims that his clinical research demonstrates the reversal of coronary artery disease with this approach.
Dr. Ornish has an extensive list of publications in peer-reviewed medical journals, and many physicians advocate this approach especially after heart surgery. Dr. Ornish was a consultant to President Clinton and an advisor to the White House chefs on preparing healthy food.

Dr. Barry Sears has been involved in research for over 25 years. He earned a Nobel Prize in 1982 for the role of select hormones in cardiovascular disease and cancer. Dr. Sears has been a consultant to the US Olympic Swim Team and the Stanford University Swim Team - a team that has consistently attained NCAA champion status. Dr. Sears advocates a diet that is comprised of 40% carbohydrates, 30% protein, and 30% fat.

Dean Ornish, MD	Robert Atkins, MD	Dr. Barry Sears