Atkins diet was created in 1970's but reached popularity in 1990's. These days Atkins diet is one of the most popular diets out there and it is estimated that around twenty-five million Americans are on this diet.

How is weight loss achieved in Atkins diet? Well, the diet is based on a theory that the consumption of carbohydrates is the root cause for being overweight. According to Atkins, our body adjusts to having large amounts of carbohydrates by changing the insulin responses. When the body receives few carbohydrates, it self-regulates the insulin responses thus reducing the appetite and making weight loss easier.

Atkins diet consists of three stages. The first state is an induction stage and it lasts about 14 days. During this stage the amount of carbohydrates should be limited to around 20 grams a day. The body transitions into so called ketosis state when it starts using the stored fat to product carbohydrates.

The next stage is an ongoing weight loss stage. During this stage a person is allowed to consume a bit more carbohydrates and the range of allowed foods is increased.

The final stage is a maintenance stage. The goal is not to gain weight. The stage begins when a person lost all the weight he/she wanted to lose.