The Atkins Diet supports the theory that carbohydrates represent the culprit in weight gain. Carbohydrates and fat are burned by the body for energy, with the former being burned first. Dr. Atkins espoused that, by increasing protein consumption while limiting carbohydrates, the body will more efficiently burn fat, resulting in weight loss. This carbohydrate restriction causes the body to burn fat and to enter a state of ketosis.
